Acne & Diet

Acne Treatment That Gets Rid of Acne

2010-08-26T22:57:00.000+05:30

Acne tends to affect most teenagers to some degree. And in most cases, it is a mild temporary condition that is not permanent. But some teenagers develop severe acne problems that dramatically and negatively affect their social and emotional well being. And for some of these individuals, this debilitating condition can turn into a life long problem.

Severe acne problems affect millions of adults. An acne breakout for adults can occur out of nowhere and without any warning and then go away just as easily. But it can also be a serious chronic condition for some sufferers. Severe acne sufferers also have to deal with the embarrassment of unsightly acne scars, which can result in low self esteem issues.

There are hundreds of acne treatments that involve drugs and expensive creams. But they are not designed to treat the underlying conditions that cause acne outbreaks. These expensive remedies treat the symptoms of the disease, not the disease itself.

Many acne remedies are designed to treat the mild temporary acne that primarily affects teenagers. Doctors know that teenage acne is a fleeting problem and, as the teenager enters adulthood, the acne normally goes away. As a result, most doctors treat only the acne, not the underlying condition. Unfortunately, adult acne sufferers know that their acne will return again and again. They know that acne will be a recurring visitor in their life. The expensive treatments the doctors typically prescribe can not cure the disease; it can only treat the symptoms.

Acne Treatment That Works In The Long Run

2010-06-13T00:11:00.000+05:30

Sad is the case that most people who have acne believe that the problem was within themselves and not the treatment itself once it has failed. And that too even after all the acne treatments fail. The reasons shown are many such as weakness in the genes, lack of ambition, and other causes. There are others who also believe that acne will go away in time because it is something temporary.

Needless to say, these believes are untrue. And the sad reality is, as many as 99% treatment options you come across cannot cure the acne, no matter what effort you put in. You need also to know that acne is not temporary: the problem needs to be solved for it to go away.

The acne I personally suffered from was very severe and I suffered for 7 long years. And in this time I carried out a lot of testing, experimenting and research and I tried all the acne treatments that are out there, but the results were all negative. Some of these acne treatments even made the condition worse and lead to more outbreaks. But finally I found the acne equation that works; here`s the foundation theory that leads to successful acne cure. Since then, I have helped thousands of sufferers get rid of their acne with this equation.

If you are suffering from acne, you also need to get rid of it and have a great acne free skin. I will show you the way to achieve this. Let others not misguide you.

But why do all the acne treatments that are available fail to deliver? In this report I will discuss this issue. I will also inform you about the only acne treatment that works to effectively give you the clear skin that you deserve.

All the acne treatments people try fail: why?

The reason for this remains in the fact that what you see on the skin: that is the acne, is merely the symptom, and the problem remains on the inside. There are internal issues or imbalances that are causing the acne. So these imbalances need to be tackled. If you cannot or do not negate these internal contributing factors, then the acne will never be gone.

The problem is, all the acne treatments that you will come across aim to fix the symptoms by either the overproduction of Accutane (sebum), inflammation and puss and the acne bacteria (Benzoyl Peroxide or antibiotics). They at best aim at just some of the internal factors such as detox diets and herbal remedies.

Because of this, there are no acne treatments that can permanently get rid of the issue. They make the mistake of either completely ignoring the root causes or at best just targeting a few of them.

The only effective acne treatment that works is the holistic approach.

The prerequisite to curing acne permanently is the knowledge that acne is just the problem itself, but it is actually the symptom of an internal problem. It also needs to be understood that there are multiple factors that are causing the acne. The acne growths appear because of both internal and external issues such as lifestyle related factors, and all of them need to be fixed for the acne to go permanently.

The holistic path addresses all of these issues efficiently. The holistic treats all the contributing factors of acne and acknowledges that it is not the disease itself, but just its symptom. With this approach you can effectively treat the internal complex conditions, which is necessary to eradicate the acne problem from the root.

Accept this as a fact and take up the holistic treatment path and the acne will be uprooted from the inside. As a result, the acne will be cured permanently and you will at last have the clear skin that you always wanted.

Remedies and Causes of Acne

2010-06-13T00:10:00.000+05:30

Acne is a disorder of the skin. This disorder causes to skin to have blackheads or whiteheads, pimples or zits, cysts, and lesions. This is a disorder seen mostly in teens and young adults. This shows up in the face, neck, back and chest of the teens and young adults.

What causes acne? Probably the biggest reason for acne is inflammation of your bodies hormone production. You see, when you eat bad your bodies hormones will become unbalanced and can cause acne.
Oil is not the only acne cause. There are other causes. Acne has so many interconnecting causes and this makes it very difficult to have a permanent cure for acne. Luckily, there are ways to control some of the causes of acne so well that it appears as though acne is permanently cured.

Individuals seek out acne pimple home remedies according to the degree of distress the acne creates in a person. The search for home remedies comes up to lessen or get rid of the acne outbreak and to stop scarring of the skin arising from severe acne. The use of benzoyl peroxide lotions in acne remedies aids in practical healing and inhibiting of new acne outbreaks.

Home remedies are best remedies to cure acne. Some of the home remedies to cure acne are orange, garlic, and cucumber. Peel of orange paste applied on the affected area helps to cure pimple. Paste of fenugreek helps to cure pimples. Eating lots of fruits and vegetables and drinking at least 1 liter of water daily is also one of the home remedies to cure acne. Home remedies to cure acne have no side affects if your not having any allergic to certain fruits and vegetables.Turmeric is another home remedy for acne. Turmeric contains anti bacterial properties.

Now this article is going to tell you the three effective natural remedies to remove acne marks. Wash your face before you apply the below mentioned natural remedies for acne.

Natural remedy for acne #1 – Squeeze an orange or lemon juice onto a cotton pad and then dab it onto the acne affected area. Leave it on for 20 minutes and wash off with water. This will minimize your acne marks and take the redness away after a couple of days.

Natural remedy for acne #2 – This is another simple yet effective way to minimize your acne marks. Slice a raw potato and rub it on your acne affected area. The vitamins in the raw potato take away all the redness and improve your complexion.

Natural remedy for acne #3 – The omega-3 oils that are most commonly found in fish and other sea food are an effective way to prevent acne; as well, as being a great healthy source of nutrients.

There are various benefits of using these natural remedies for acne. You can avoid harmful chemicals found in acne products that can harm your skin.

7 Ways To Conquer Acne

2008-11-07T21:56:00.000+05:30

Reports show that over 90 percent of all adolescents and almost 25 percent of all adults suffer from acne at some time. Acne affects males and females worldwide, regardless of nationality.
The most effective methods to combat acne include a combination of prevention and better skincare.

Here are some of the ways you can use to prevent and treat acne:

1. Exercise

Regular exercise can help fight acne by fighting off negative stress levels that can come from negative self-esteem and depression. But avoid wearing tight lycra and nylon exercise outfits. These synthetic fabrics that tend to trap body moisture and heat, creating an ideal environment for bacteria to grow. Stick to loose clothing made of cotton or natural blends, and keep your sports gear and equipment clean.

2. Safe Cosmetics

To avoid pore-clogging and skin irritations that can contribute to acne, use products labeled "noncomedogenic" or "oil-free." Opt for "hypo-allergenic" perfumes and cosmetics to avoid allergic reactions and skin irritation. Coal tar derivatives, carmine and heavy cream in blushes can cause reactions.

Shimmering facial colors can contain a flaky mineral called mica that can cause skin irritations and clog pores. Use a lip gloss with a matte finish for less pore-clogging. The more the shine, the more then comedogenic content and the more your pores can clog.

3. Healthy Diet

Studies show that diet does not play a role in either the cause or the treatment of acne. However, what is best for your body is best for your skin. So make sure you get enough vitamins, minerals and supplements that have been known and recommended to prevent and help conquer acne breakouts. These include

Vitamin A or Retinol (High doses are toxic)
Vitamin B Complex
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
L-Carnitine
Zinc

A good quality brand name multivitamin will probably have the recommended vitamins and minerals that you need to help with acne prevention. Drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day and making good, healthy dietary food choices.

3. Hormonal Treatment

Hormones (or a lack of them) during later years - especially for women - can play a role in acne flare-ups and prevention. One recent study showed that about 50 percent of women have acne, referred to as hormonal acne, problems during the week before their menstruation.

Treatment options include topical retinoids, oral antibiotics and Benzoyl Peroxide for teen years. For adults oral contraceptives or hormonal birth control pills and hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) may be helpful for women, combined with systemic or topical treatments, prescription or over-the-counter products and medications.

4. Healthy Skin Regimen

Avoid harsh scrubbing or over-washing, because this can cause possible skin irritation or possible over production of oil to replace what's washed off, clogging pores in the process. Use products with gentle exfoliation ingredients and skip products that contain alcohol.

5. Acne Products

Some of the more popular products on the market that can prevent acne include:

Benzoyl Peroxide
Proactiv® Solution
Salicylic Acid
Retinoids
Antibiotics
Oral Contraceptives
Anti-Androgens
Isotretinoin (Accutane)

6. Shaving

Shaving is actually an excellent way of exfoliating or removing dead skin to help with the prevention and spreading of acne instead of leaving the remains to clog pores. And for some light acne cases already in process, shaving can help rid whiteheads and blackheads from the face. Do not shave areas taht are sore or infected. Use a shaving cream for sensitive skin.

Shave with a sharp blade. Use gentle swipes instead of heavy pressure and go with the flow or "grain." A single-edged blade is better than a twin-blade razor. Electric razors may not shave as close to the skin, but they help with the prevention of acne and other skin breakouts and flare-ups better.

7. Stress

Stress includes external and internal stressors. External Stressors are those that compromise your skin's ability to heal, like oily make-up and too much sun. Internal stressors like anxiety, fear, low self-esteem, depression and a variety of other internalized emotions, can trigger chemical reactions inside your body that can result in acne flare-ups and other skin irritations.

To combat internal stressors and prevent acne problems, get plenty of rest and sleep. Try to maintain regular hours. Keep a check list of "Things that Calm You" handy for stressful times, like reading a book, resting, listening to music, taking a walk, going out for an ice cream cone, etc.

Acne and Skin Problem Myths Debunked

2008-11-07T21:49:00.000+05:30

Isn't skin a wonderful thing to have?

An obvious benefit of skin is that it protects our bodies' internal organs from harmful elements like dirt, insects, bites, toxic chemicals, nasty weather, and the like, and it certainly is more attractive than what's underneath.

When skin is healthy it's nice to look at, but when it's diseased, it can not only affect you physically, but more painfully can cause stress and social problems.

Like the common cold, acne and similar skin diseases can be treated and covered up, but cannot really be cured. The best treatment is prevention and knowledge about what makes your skin happy, so that you can avoid skin care enemies and breakout triggers.

The real cause of acne can vary from individual to individual, but some factors can be stated with relative certainty:

1. Acne occurs when pores or hair follicles become blocked or clogged.

2. There are basically 4 types of acne manifestations: whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, and nodules.

3. Acne can appear pretty much anywhere on the skin, though it causes the most concern when it shows up on the face. The worst forms of acne break out, however, on the chest and back, and most commonly on males rather than females because of hormonal differences.

4. There are many common myths and untruths about acne, rosacea, and other skin care problems.

Some acne myths include "you'll outgrow it, so leave it alone", "being out in the sun helps acne", "acne problems are directly or indirectly proportionate to sexual activity", "acne visits dirty people", "acne is contagious", and too many more to list in this short article.

The sad thing is that belief in the myths can be devasting, in that proper treatment is avoided, and lifestyle changes that don't need to be made can take away pleasure unnecessarily.

For example, at one point in my life, I truly believed that I was allergic to chocolate and that it caused my breakouts. Whenever I would succumb to the temptation and have "just a little" I would stress out waiting for the red spots, and sure enough they would appear.

After several years and much experimentation, I learned I had no allergy, the stress was a trigger for me, and a new over the counter face scrub has kept me in the clear ever since.

Knowing what triggers your breakouts can be the difference between constant battles and healthy skin. The Internet is a wonderful place to get the information you need, so stop stressing out and learn what it takes to put your best face forward.

Acne Scars

2008-11-07T21:44:00.000+05:30

cne is an inflammation of the skin that affects people from every country and every culture around the world. In the US, acne is predominantly thought of as a teenage dilemma, as more than eighty percent of teens and preteens will develop some form of acne. However, the condition certainly affects a large number of adults and even infants. The scientific name for the condition is acne vulgaris because acne usually strikes in plainly visible locations such as the face, neck, chest and back. There are various types of acne that range in annoyance, severity, and healing time. The most severe type of acne may even lead to scars that if not treated properly, may be visible for a lifetime. If you or a loved one is troubled by severe acne, here's what you need to know about acne scars and what you need to do to avoid and care for them.

How Does Acne Form?

Contact with an oily substance such as mineral oil, vegetable oil, or petroleum is a potential cause of acne, as is the use of certain medication and steroids. However, acne is most often cause by the secretion of androgens. Acne is also aggravated by milk or dairy products, red meat and fast food. Androgens are sex hormones that are initially secreted at the onset of puberty. They are male hormones but they are secreted by females as well. Androgens stimulate the production of oil from the skin's oil glands. Acne occurs when these overactive oil glands become blocked, causing the oil to build up in the gland and swell. A bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes normally colonizes this swollen gland causing the development of inflammation and pus. In particularly severe cases, the glands may burst into the skin and produce cysts.

Types Of Acne

Acne blemishes are categorized into four grades, ranging from mild to very severe.

Grade I: Mild acne falls into this category. People with grade I acne generally have blackheads and whiteheads but pimples are not present.
Grade II: The condition is considered moderate acne when blackheads, whiteheads, and small pimples are present, but they are confined to the face and the inflammation they cause is minimal.
Grade III: Severe acne includes blackheads, whiteheads, and deeper pimples with more pronounced swelling.
Grade IV: acne is considered very severe when it occurs on the face, neck, shoulders, chest, and back. Pustules and deeper cysts occur with very severe acne and scarring may result if the condition is not cared for properly.
Preventing Acne Scars

The most important rule for acne sufferers to remember is that you should never pick or squeeze acne blemishes. This can lead to the spread of acne and the development of acne scars. Instead, there are a number of herbal, homeopathic, and traditional formulas that can be used to treat acne and prevent the development of acne scars. Herbs work naturally with the body to reduce acne blemishes and prevent the development of acne scars. Echinacea and poke root are often used for their anti-inflammatory properties and red clover may be beneficial for its estrogenic action. Witch hazel has excellent astringent properties and may be very effective on acne.

Relieving Acne Scars

Acupuncture: Stagnant of Chi in the channels of the face is said to be the cause of acne. Acupuncture performed on these points of the face may help relieve acne, and prevent the development of acne scars.

Surgery: In moderate to severe cases of acne, doctors may use surgery to open up the blemishes and remove blackheads and whiteheads. Unlike medication treatments, the effects of acne surgery are usually more immediate. And surgery is also effective in reducing the development and visibility of acne scars.

Cleaning the intestinal Tract: Acne can be a by-product of a filthy intestinal tract and colon. In most cases when the colon is clean the acne will go away. I recommend the intestinal cleanser Oxy-Powder.

A Permanent Cure For Acne - Discover If it Exists

2008-11-05T22:03:00.000+05:30

If your acne is constantly causing pain and worry in your life, you can't wait any more. The longer you let your acne control your life, the harder it will be to regain your confidence and social skills. I can relate because I was a chronic acne sufferer myself. In this article, I'm going tell you about a permanent cure for acne.

Growing up with acne, I was misinformed by a lot of different people and doctors. I was always told that my acne was due mostly to my genes and that the only way to solve the problem was with medication. This is absolutely not true.

Acne can be cured forever by simply balancing the internal processes in the body. When you're a teenager, your hormones throw the body out of balance. But when you're older it's caused by environmental factors. Both hormones and these environmental factors are to blame for disturbing chemical balances and causing acne to persist.

So, there really is a permanent cure for acne. It exists, and it is not at all hard to implement. It is possible to cure acne extremely fast, and cure acne forever but the answer is probably not what you think.

The permanent cure for acne is to always have a good chemical balance in your body. This is achieved by eating a healthy diet, and doing a mini detox or fast sporadically to clear your system and restore balance. Medications are simply not the answer because once you stop using them your acne will come right back.

There are several programs available to you right now that help you cure your acne very quickly. And, if you stick to the guidelines, they can help you permanently cure acne. Imagine waking up every morning with no fear! But you must act fast. The longer you wait, the greater your chances are that you acne will a) get worse or b) cause permanent scarring.

Stop Settling For the Same Acne Products - Lose Acne in Less Than a Week

2008-11-05T22:00:00.000+05:30

Are you tired of using the same acne treatments that still are not working? If so then you are no different the most of the people in this world. The difference you can have is that with the help of the internet you are able to find the latest treatments to get rid of acne fast.

Long gone are the days that you have to use the same old "over the counter" acne treatments. Believe it or not but there is a very simple reason why those "over the counter" treatments have not worked for you. All the major companies believe that one treatment will help to get rid of acne for every single person in this world. Unfortunately that belief does not work. There are several different types of skin out there that all require different treatments. For example; some people have dry skin while others have oily skin. Each type of skin will require a different kind of acne treatment.

More and more companies have realized this and are doing a much better job making an acne treatment. The problem is that most of these companies are still very small. Since they are still small, they are not able to market their products in all the major stores. For that reason all these smaller companies rely on the internet to get the word out on their latest products.

Thanks to the help of the smaller companies, you are now able to use all the lastest products to get rid of acne fast.

Tips to Clear Up Zits

2008-10-25T22:43:00.001+05:30

If you are suffering from acne right now, then you want a solution right now, you don't want to wait. This article will outline some tips to clear up zits right away, without having to wait weeks, months, even years before you can finally experience what so many others have, which is clear and healthy skin. Your skin is a very important part of your body and should be treated as such. Clearing up your zits is something you should be willing to be 100 percent committed to finding an answer to. To clear up your zits you will have to be patient, but eventually you will find a quick cure.

Now there are a lot of different options to discuss and consider. First of all there are of course all of the traditional methods of treating acne, one of these being topical treatments which are used by many acne sufferers each day. Topical treatments are just the creams, lotions, facial scrubs and masks, as well moisturizers that are applied to the skin in a safe and non-invasive way. This is the best way to go if you want to avoid nasty side-effects like irritation and worsening of your acne. Most of these products don't contain too many chemical additives.

Then of course there are the more serious and often times powerful ways of going about treating your acne. If you go to a dermatologist he or she might prescribe your oral medications, that is antibiotics which you can take daily, usually once or twice, depending on the instructions. Another very important aspect on acne treatment is following any instructions given to you by your doctor or any that happen to be on the label of the acne treatment products that you are trying out. If you don't follow the directions you are putting your own skin at risk.

Despite the great things people say about some acne products, I have found that most acne treatments simply did not work for me.

Acnezine - Finally a Real Acne Cure

2008-10-25T22:42:00.000+05:30

Acnezine is a one-of-its-kind Acne Skin Care System that has been formulated for the treatment of acne from the inside out.

This solution is not only another ordinary topical acne treatment product. This is an entire skin management system that will zoom in on the source of your acne and it will not only heal any blemishes that you have, but it will treat future outbreaks that you cannot even see yet! Many of the acne products on the market today will only treat the blemishes that you already have. This amazing product helps your skin prevent more zits from forming! It can become quite costly and frustrating to try different acne creams one after another with little or no success. You will find that Acnezine has the following benefits:

• Works for teenagers and adults who suffer from mild to moderate blemishes on the face and body

• Eliminates spots, redness, blackheads, pimples, pus and whiteheads

• Effective and fast cure for acne from the inside out

Acne's major cause is from imbalances and impurities inside of the body, and that is why the problem is treated with an internal cleansing treatment that goes straight to the source and fights the acne before it begins. This solution provides antioxidants that will also help eliminate free radicals that may be a cause of mild acne.

It can be hard to control mild to moderate acne. Even after the acne is gone, you must continue on with the usage of an effective acne treatment to keep new blemishes from flaring up again. This product uses several different ingredients all in one system to heal your blemishes now and keep new ones from forming.

Great pride is taken in the superior quality of this acne solution and you must be pleased with your purchase. The manufacturers of this excellent product believe that it is the very best quality, value, and selection for our customers. If you are not satisfied with the way Acnezine works for you, just return any unused or unopened item within 90 days of purchase for a full refund!

Tips To Overcome Insomnia To Prevent Acne, Hair Loss, Ulcer And Headache Problems

2008-10-17T23:08:00.000+05:30

Are you suffering from acne problems, hair loss, ulcer attack or frequent headache? Or do you feel that you are constantly in stress? The most like causes of all these maybe perhaps be insomnia, or lack of sleep and rest. Today let us discuss how we can deal with insomnia.

If you have a rocky workplace, this can also be a good excuse for insomnia. You are going to be stressed and uneasy about a lot of things when you are worried about what is going on at work. You need to find out a way to work through these problems to make them better. Get help from your supervisor or manager to take this problem on. Once you get it sorted out, you will probably find that you can rest better at night and start sleeping through the night like you once did.

Do not overeat as heavy meals will drain out your energy. Instead of eating a large meal, you need to eat three smaller meals throughout the day. You need to have your blood sugar and your insulin levels more even. You will also find it easier to sleep at night if you eat this way. You need to keep watch of what you eat so that you can dream away at night. Eating rich foods will help you out a lot when it comes to dieting. Remember that overeating can not only cause insomnia, it can also cause unwanted weight gain too.

Next, are you finding hard to concentrate while you sleep? Do you know that there are as many as 100,000 car accidents and fifteen hundred deaths that are from accidents caused by people that are driving while drowsy. This is a serious problem and one that more and more people need to address. There are lots of people that are sacrificing their sleep to do other things in life. It is not going to help anyone if a person skips the sleep that they need in order to do something else.

Insomnia is a leading cause in the United States for decreased productivity. Each year insomnia will cost the United States over one billion dollars for the research and the lost work that is not getting done. This is a serious condition and one that has to be taken more seriously. There are more and more people under stress and hectic lives. They are not allowing themselves enough time for rest and relaxation and this is leading to more severe problems for them such as headache, acne problems, and even hair loss.

You should also eat a great breakfast. You need to eat foods that boost your metabolism and give the body energy to burn off. The brain will depend on the glucose for fuel and so carbohydrates for breakfast is a great idea. You should try to not skip any meals. It is important to eat healthy and to eat when you are hungry. Cereals and wholegrain bread is the best way to get a good start on your day and keep you awake.

Lastly, about a third of the average persons life is spent sleeping. This means that sleep is very important to our health and us. Healthy sleep is more important. It is vital to a human's body and it is going to be essential for the brain to function the way that it is intended. Other organs in the body also depend on the amount of sleep that a person gets to function properly.

Alright! You've now completed the easy part. From here, you have to start to plan a regular and healthier plan for your daily life. By changing your lifestyle for a better, healthier one, you will ultimately enjoy a healthier, happy life.

Menopause-Related Acne

2008-10-16T23:34:00.001+05:30

Menopause has many interesting, seemingly unrelated symptoms. Women can experience any combination of mood swings, insomnia, hot flashes, extreme night sweats, achy joints, headaches, irritability, anxiety, trouble concentrating, and even acne. Some women avoid menopause-induced acne, but for at least one in ten menopause sufferers, pimples and blemishes are a genuine problem. Some women have avoided pimples since they were teenagers, yet suddenly the have a face full of them. The truth is, though, teens and menopausal women have a number of things in common. Acne is typically a result of hormone swings, which occurs extensively throughout puberty and menopause. It can be very frustrating for women to endure the added embarassment of blemishes when they're struggling to deal with all of the other symptoms of menopause.

Menopausal acne occurs for much the same reason that acne occurs during any other life stage. The skin contains millions of sebaceous glands. These glands produce oil, scientifically termed sebum. Skin cells are constantly regenerated. Old ones die, are sloughed off and quickly replaced. When body hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and DHEA run rampant, the sebaceous glands become sensitive and start producing more sebum than necessary. More skin cells begin to die. As a result, not only do you have a surplus of facial oil, you also have a surplus of dead skin cells. Your body cannot rid itself of the unwanted oil and dead cells fast enough. Facial skin follicles get clogged with oil and dead cells.

White heads occur as a result of bacteria. Excess sebum builds up under the skin, naturally-occuring bacteria and the oil combine, creating an inflamed area filled with white puss. Blackheads also occur as a result of the combining of bacteria and oil with the addition of air that has leaked in. As a result, the material caught in the pore turns black. Menopausal acne identical to other acne, however. Both the follicles and sebaceous glands on the face contain an enzyme. This particular enzyme can turn estrogen into the hormone androgen testosterone. This has the ability to increase oil production even further. This leads to even more breakouts than a woman probably had as a teenager.

Menopausal acne can be extremely frustrating. There are, however, ways to alleviate it. Begin by examining your diet. It is important to eat foods that are high in fiber and calcium. It is also recommended to cut back on your fat and carbohydrate intake. Carbohydrates can turn insulin into androgen testosterone. This androgen too can increase the skin's sebum production. Additionally, you might want ensure that you are consuming eight to ten glasses of water each day.

In addition to dietary changes, you might want to consider the addition of dietary supplements. There are so many widely-available herbs vitamins, and minerals that can help alleviate the body's excess oil production. Studies suggest that it is beneficial to add Vitamin B and Vitamin C to your diet. In addition to diet and supplements, you should cleanse your skin a minimum of twice daily. Regular exfoliation rids the skin of those dead cells. Also, it is beneficial to use a toner to close open pores.

Acne Tips That Will Help Improve Your Complexion

2008-10-16T23:33:00.000+05:30

Clear healthy skin is something associated with also being in a good state of health, with a public perception of beauty. As we are all human, from time to time we get spots seemingly appearing out of the blue, even if we follow a good diet regime and look after our skin. Despite being susceptible to the aforementioned, there are certain things we can do to further improve our appearance and complextion.

Firstly make sure you are following a balanced, healthy diet with an emphasis on nutritious foods and generous portions of fruits and vegetables. Nutrition plays a vital role in having healthy clear skin.

Did you know that your skin is the last of the organs in your body to receive vital nutrients. Prior to your skin receiving them, your other vital organs take what they need. So, as you can see, it's important to intake a good dose of nutrients on a regulr basis to feed your skin from the inside out. If your diet isn't right, your skin will suffer , and along with it your acne condition will also worsen.

Another dietary danger zone is what many of us are addicted to on a daily basis. Yes, you guessed it. It's caffeine. But caffeine is pretty harmless, right? Wrong. If you cut down your overall caffeine intake you have an improved chance of improved skin appearance and less severe acne. Caffeine produces a hormone called cortisol that really causes problems with your skin if you become overloaded with it and your body can't cope.

Another top acne tip is to ensure your diet has a good supply of essential fatty aciss. Your body then utilises this to produce something called linoleic acid which is good for your skin as well as having other health giving properties.

Other ways of reducing the regularity and severity of acne breakouts, other than diet, is to make sure your towels are regularly changed so there is less chance of bacteria on the one you are using. Changing your bed and pillow covers regularly will also be of benefit.

Helping Your Wife Cope Acne In Pregnancy

2008-10-16T23:31:00.003+05:30

Pregnancy is the most crucial period in the life of a woman. Especially, the time she is pregnant for the first time, it gets too difficult for her to maintain her mental equilibrium and posture. She remains most tender; and unexplainable feelings of anxiety grip her. This is the time, when she requires understanding and sympathy, the most.

The most unwelcome development for her during this period is sickness. She remains always doubly worried. Firstly, about her own constitution, and next, how to properly support the other growing tiny self within her! Her worry about the later aspect is much more.

And there at times come acne to add to her sorry state. Acne is a disease that upsets the woman even during the normal times. And during pregnancy she is doubly upset, because she has information that acne is a hereditary disease. Her intense worry is that, what if the child gets acne?

Herein, you can play a guard to the emotions of your wife. As such you can not do anything to help your wife to cope acne in pregnancy. But you can surely get her the best medical advice and provide or not provide her medication, on the lines indicated by the medical practitioner. Your sympathy and understanding and kind words are more than any balm, lotion or gel to her.

You can provide her with good reading material or articles on how the other women have faced similar situations in their life and how they were able to tackle it successfully.

Such success stories do a lot to boost her moral courage. That is the real medication needed at this time of her life. Don't allow her heavy mood swings to overpower her. Keep her in good humor by talking to her sweet nothings and by telling her that acne is indeed a minor problem!

But if the depression persists, it could be Postpartum Depression (PPD). Before it gets serious, consult a psychiatrist or a specialist.

The correct causes of acne are still not known. It is a subject, under active research. Acne could be due to the side effects of certain other medications. Stress and pregnancy could itself be the reason for acne. So, you can carefully advise your wife against stressing out on this aspect of acne.

At this stage, what she needs is your constant company. You are a better subject to talk to, than the subject of acne. Spend as much time as is possible in her company. That is the best that you can do for her.

Do You Need Acne Scar Removal or Treatment?

2008-10-16T23:31:00.001+05:30

If you have acne scars from breakouts that you had in the past, there are ways to help remove them. Or, you just might have some pimples now that are leaving scars. Well, there is help. Know what some of your options are for treatment, and understand that acne scar removal is possible even with persistent acne woes and scarring.

Now a days the treatment for removing scars are up to date and modern. There are all kinds of treatments, but only a qualified dermatologist can help you get those scars off of your face or body, so you can start feeling confident about how you look. Depending on the type of acne that you’ve had, or are experiencing now, your doctor will determine the routine of acne scar removal that you need.

Most acne scar treatments require clear skin before treatment begins, so this is the first issue that must be addressed. If you haven’t done it already, make an appointment with your dermatologist to get started. Every person must be evaluated individually and treated on a case-by-case basis, and what works for one may not work for another

Some of the different ways that this is done can range from medication, surgery, and light or laser therapy. Medications like Tetracycline are antibiotics that will clear up acne by stopping infection, and the skin heals naturally.

Another type of medication that helps with acne scar removal is called Accutane. It has high doses of Vitamin A that eliminate oils from the skin, and cuts down on the scarring by eliminating infection. There are potential side effects of the antibiotics and Accutane. After a while you can develop immunity to the antibiotics, or even become very allergic to the medications.

Do not take Accutane if you are thinking of becoming pregnant or are pregnant. Only a dermatologist should prescribe this type of acne scar removal.

Light or laser therapy is great for removing scars that are moderate or severe too. You’ll know that your doctor is recommending these types of acne scar removal treatments when Blue or Red Light Therapy is discussed.

Fotofacials are another type that is often used too. It rids your skin of scars by using pulsating frequencies of lights or lasers. Scars are either totally removed, or they are faded to the point that a good makeup will hide the remaining evidence. The best thing about it is that results are sometimes better with this type of acne scar removal treatment.

Most acne scar treatments are not covered by health insurance plans, and can be quite costly if more than a couple of treatments are needed, which is the case in more instances than not. Less expensive acne scar treatments can always be tried first, especially if the scars are not too severe. Check with your dermatologist’s office for prices of various procedures recommended, and also check online for more in depth information on acne scar treatments

It’s important too that medications don’t have to be used for an extended period, and it’s not as dangerous. Acne scar removal is possible, and all you have to do is to make an appointment, and start on the way to healing your scars on your body, and your outlook on you.

Acne Herbal Remedies That Help Clear Acne

2008-10-16T23:30:00.001+05:30

Wouldn’t it be nice to have a magic pill that squelches the burden of acne altogether? Well, there isn’t any that I am aware of. However, there are a number of acne formulas. For example, what do you know about acne herbal remedies?

Have you ever given acne herbal remedies a shot? Maybe something different from that Clearasil in your medicine cabinet would do you good. After all, how well is that topical cream from the drugstore even working? Does it actually heal and get rid of a nasty pimple in no time at all? Or, does it merely mask the problem and eventually dry out your face? That is always a common dilemma with basic acne problems.

Unlike many of the acne herbal remedies, the drugstore creams, gels, and face washes can be harsh for your delicate face. They remove most of the dirt and oil from your face and leave it dry and tight. This can lead to more breakouts, if the pores close and still have bacteria, oil, and dirt deep down.

Acne herbal remedies are gentler on your skin and face.

Are you in the market for some quality acne herbal remedies? Maybe this is the route you should be choosing. Think about it for a moment. How many drugstore acne treatments that don’t work have you already gone through, and found little to no results, probably quite a few?

Finding an acne herbal remedy for your outbreaks of pimples isn’t that hard to do. The trick is getting one that works for your specific type of acne outbreaks and is natural. Don’t get discouraged about it, you can have clear and healthy skin, it will just take a little experimentation and patience.

There are several types of treatments for blemishes and using them isn’t all that hard. One treatment for blackheads is a wash of lime and milk. All you have to do is bring the milk to a gentle boil, and then add the juice from one lime. Then wash your face with this combination after it cools down enough so it does not burn your face.

Another acne herbal remedy is to use an astringent for a deep cleaning of your pores. At your local grocery store buy a leafy mango. Boil it in some water, and then rub it, after it cools, on your face. If your case of pimples isn’t too severe you can just leave the mango to soak overnight. It’s an acne natural cure that will clean your pores thoroughly.

Something that you probably eat everyday in some form is good for your skin as well. A raw potato is an ideal acne remedy, especially for whiteheads. The vitamin C gives your skin a healthy glow, and its alkaline gets rid of the bacteria on your face. The potato has an acid in it too that scrubs away dead or dying skin cells on your face, which works as an acne natural cure.

Finally, remember that acne herbal remedies might leave your skin a little parched for moisture at times during treatments. A good way to re-hydrate your skin after using an acne herbal remedy is to use Almond Oil or Jojoba oil.

If you’ve tried every over the counter medication for it and it’s just not working, than you might want to use an acne herbal remedy. You can find a treatment solution in an herbal remedy, but take your time, and find out what works for you.

How to Get Rid of Acne with Natural Remedies

2008-10-16T23:29:00.001+05:30

With the vast number of creams and lotions available in the local pharmacy you would think that they could get rid of acne, but not all of them work.

Every person is different and the cause of their acne may also be different. So this means that for you to get rid of your acne you would need to try many different creams and techniques, unless you knew exactly what was causing your acne. Then you could buy exactly the product or service that could eliminate your skin problem.

For example, to get rid of acne caused by infection, you might need to use an antibiotic cream or antibiotic capsules. But, to get rid of acne caused by excessive oil secretions, you might try Azelaic acid cream.

Or, if your acne was caused by poor diet, then using a cream that had a form of vitamin A might help you get rid of acne. But if hormonal acne was your problem, then internal cleansing, supplements, including fish oil, could get rid of your acne.

Even though teenagers, and indeed, anyone affected by acne wants to get rid of this condition right away, you must remember that acne is a normal and natural part of growing up. Hormonal balances or imbalances might cause acne related problems for the time being. But it is rarely, if ever, permanent. Acne, no matter how severe it seems to be, does disappear once the pubescent changes are completed in the human body.

But for those of you that are older, then hormones many not be the issue and to get rid of this acne requires some serious nutritional steps and facial applications which require the help of a professional nutritionist or dermatologist.

Here are some tips that you can experiment with to see it they will get rid of your acne.

If you are a lady who wears foundation makeup, look at the ingredients in your makeup. If it is an oil-based product, your foundation may be the culprit behind the acne problem. Change your makeup to one that has a water base and your skin can breathe a little easier. And, you may also go very lite on the makeup or go without make up to see if you acne lessens.

Wash your face consistently twice a day using a mild soap, such as pure glycerin. Mild is the secret technique. Harsh soaps can actually aggravate your skin. Also, make sure that you rinse your face thoroughly. A trace of soap can aggravate your acne.

Try regular old benzoyl peroxide, which is among the most tried and true home acne remedies there is. It is also an extremely inexpensive solution that has stood the test of time. The secret behind the benzoyl peroxide's effectiveness among the home acne remedies is oxygen. Oxygen kills the bacteria lying under the surface of the skin and deep into the pores.

Try applying toothpaste to the affected area at bedtime. Make sure to use traditional toothpaste instead of gels or whitening paste. When you wakeup, you will find a small remnant of the acne, if any at all.

Finally, you can try washing your face with sea salt and distilled water. After that, squeeze some lemon juice on your face and finally wash your face with glycerin soap

Trying to get rid of acne can really create stress and emotional problems. So by trying many different creams and remedies, you may find the answer on how to get rid of your acne.

Adult Acne – How To Deal With It

2008-10-16T23:27:00.000+05:30

We are all rather familiar with acne, we either had it, know someone who had it or are currently suffering with it. Acne affects nearly 40 million people in the United States alone. It can start anytime between the ages of 12 and 25 and when it hits, well it hits with a vengeance. A growing number of adult women in their twenties and thirties are getting adult acne, even if they never suffered with acne before. The problem with acne is that there is no known cure.

Yes we are bombarded all over the place to buy this “miracle cure” and try this “amazing product” and so often a person who is afflicted with this skin problem will hope and pray that this will be the answer that they are looking for. Just this one time this is going to be the one thing that actually does work. Then because it proves not to be the “miracle cure” they were promised they end up frustrated and disappointed.

So how does one deal with acne? More particularly how does one deal with adult acne? Well, to just give up and resign oneself to the supposed inevitable is not the answer either. You see adult acne is much like being over weight in that you don’t feel good about yourself; your self esteem takes a major knock and you are convinced that when people look at you they do not see YOU but are rather focused on just the area that is riddled with acne. You hate going out in public, you do not want people to look at you because you hate looking at yourself. I know this because I have been there.

Adult acne is embarrassing. It is one thing if you were a teenager because society seems to be more accepting; it is what almost the “norm” is for teenagers. People sympathize and “tut tut” it away as just a natural process of life. I’m not taking away for one moment what teenagers go through (they have “strange” hormones to deal with on top of it all) but there seems to be a stigma attached to adult acne. People just look at you differently.

There seems to be this misconception that if you suffer from adult acne you don’t wash your face and you must be dirty. Just like in the case of someone who is overweight people don’t sit back and think that it may most likely be due to hormonal changes and/ or sometimes it may just be hereditary. It seems to be in people’s nature to assume the worse.

Acne doesn’t just lead to physical scars (which are really depressing and more damaging to the psyche) but more concerning it leads to emotional scarring. Well your choices in dealing with adult acne can be put into two categories. You can “roll over and just accept” that this is your lot in life or you can become active, take charge and find ways to help the situation. Acne may not be curable but it can be controlled and eventually you may even grow out of it.

Let’s take a quick look at what acne is and once we understand how it comes about we can look at how to deal with it. Acne is generally characterized by black heads, white heads, red bumps (also known as blind pimples) and in some cases scarring. Acne is the result of overactive oil glands at the base of the hair follicles that become blocked or inflamed. It may appear anywhere on the body but it tends to be primarily on the face.

There are different forms of acne; mild inflammatory acne, moderate to severe inflammatory acne and severe acne. The problem with acne treatments is that what works for one person may not work for the next. Due to how severe your acne may be you will need to find out which is the best course of action for you. This is best done seeking the advice of your health practitioner or a dermatologist. However you can do a few things to help yourself.

As tempting as it may be DO NOT SQUEEZE OR PICK AT YOUR FACE. It may be tempting and you may just want to get rid all the spots and you think that by squeezing them all out you will be rid of it once and for all. Well if only it was that simple. It is not. The pus (and thus the germs) spreads across your face causing you more acne, or you just end up pushing the pus deeper into your skin causing more of an infection. In some cases you are left with scars. Scaring brings on a whole different level of anxiety and depression.

Do not spend too much time in the sun. There seems to be this myth that the sun will “cure” your acne. The hope seems to be that it will dry up the oily glands. But how will it when the follicles are blocked? You see the sun damages your follicular walls causing further blockage and in turn more acne. The sunlight also produces free radicals in the skin which diminishes the skins ability to heal.

There has been no scientific evidence that has proven that acne and diet are related. I have read various reports saying that acne and diet are related and some say that there is no relation whatsoever. So not affirmed either way but cut down on some foods and see if it makes a difference at all. Maybe you have an allergy that aggravates the situation.

Start with the highly refined sugars and things like seafood, mushrooms and salt. Deep fried food is generally not good for your over all health and some say that it is really bad for your skin. Drink more water, water flushes your body of toxins and so in turn is a great internal way of aiming for that healthier looking skin.

Stay away from coffee. It does not matter if it has caffeine in it or not. Coffee stimulates the production of cortisol. Cortisol is a hormonal steroid that the body produces when it is under stress. (Stress does not cause acne but it certainly aggravates it) Cortisol helps our bodies maintain homeostasis during time of stress yet it causes problems when it stays is our body for a long period of time because what cortisol does is it destroys tissue, which then releases small protein molecules from the destroyed cells. These remainders of cell-protein partly end up in the skin which ends up contributing to acne. Watch out for foods packed with hormones. It does not help hormonal acne.

Interesting fact, non Westernized people did not suffer from acne until their diet changed to what we eat and then oops they joined our ranks in the acne department. The problem is that so much of our diet tends to rob us of vitamins and minerals that are essential for good healthy skin. Vitamin A has been known to be a great preventative of acne. Give it a try, eat less “junk” and more fresh fruit and vegetables high in antioxidants, there is no harm in it and maybe it will help.

Remember acne is not caused by dirt and so DO Not scrub your face. It generally makes the acne worse. You aggravate the glands that produce the oil and they then produce more oil and then spread the bacterium that causes your acne around the face making it worse. Don’t use a face cloth because germs tend to stick to them and then you are just smearing them all over your face. Your hands are the best thing to use and they are a lot gentler on your skin too.

Smoking does not cause acne but it does make the skin look unhealthy and so much older, this is because the nicotine reduces the blood circulation to your skin. Some case studies have shown that smoking can irritate the acne, making it worse.

Avoid things that rub against your skin, like collars, don’t wear too much make up and when you do choose products that are oil free or are made specifically bearing acne in mind. These products would be “non-comedogenic” or “non-acnegenic.” Wash your hair as often as you need to and keep it off your face.

Bear in mind the following when receiving advice about your acne:

Most over-the-counter acne treatments are topical and the most popular ones contain Benzoyl Peroxide. The problem is that once you stop the treatment the acne just flares up again and some people say that as the skin becomes used to it so the effectiveness of it lessens.

Benzoyl Peroxide is also known to cause excessive dryness, and for some people itchiness which then further irritates the skin. It is also a bleach so be careful when using it that it does not ruin your clothes.

Antibiotics tend to aim at inhibiting bacteria. The problem is bacteria are not the cause of acne. The irony is that bacteria are essential in keeping the skin flexible and inhibiting it just speeds up the aging process. Then of course it needs to be remembered that antibiotics are also well known for reducing a person’s immune system.

I am not going to give you a whole list of unpronounceable names of various chemicals found in anti-acne treatments but I am going to give you a run down of what some of the side effects are. After all that is what matters most.

• Liver disease (sometimes resulting in a needed transplant)

• Jaundice and life threatening psuedomembranous colitis.

• Autoimmune disease, acute inflammation of the lung and a blue black disclouring of your skin, mucous membranes, nails, adult teeth and Internal organs.

• Benign intracranial hypertension. Early warning signs are headaches, nausea, vomiting and visual disturbances. Decreased night vision, inflammatory bowel disease, an increase in the size of your bones, raised cholesterol levels.

• Heart risks

• Further skin problems. As if acne is not enough you suffer too from dry skin, skin fragility, itching, nosebleeds, inflammation and cracking of lips. Eczema like rash, thinning of hair, peelings of palms and soles of feet, skin infections, gastrointestinal problems, urogenital problems and tiredness.

Then to top the list off you also have things like seizures, dizziness, nervousness, insomnia, depression (as if the acne hadn’t caused enough now the “cure” adds to it too) gum inflammation, arthritis and so we can go on but I think you have got the point.

I am not trying to scare you off finding what can help your acne, just informing you of what some of these products may do to you. Don’t loose hope, acne can be controlled and in many cases people do find what aggravates or causes it through trial and error. Don’t give up and you will eventually find the solution that works best for you.

Acne: A Skin Condition Common Among Teenagers

2008-10-16T23:26:00.000+05:30

Acne is a skin condition that many individuals have. Despite the fact that individuals of all ages can develop this common skin condition, there is one group of individuals who are more likely to develop it. That group is teenagers. Teenagers are more at risk for acne, especially when they begin to hit puberty. For that reason, there is a good chance that you may be the parent of a teenager who has an acne problem, whether that problem is large or small.

If you haven’t already noticed, times have changed. Unfortunately, this has led to appearance concerns among many teenagers. Although you might not necessarily think that acne is a big deal, it may be to your child. That is why it is extremely important that you talk to your child about their acne, especially if they have a severe case of it. Acne may go away on its own, but it might not. If your child constantly has problems with acne, it may be a good idea to schedule a visit with a healthcare professional.

When seeking treatment for your child’s acne problem, you will likely find that you have a number of different professional options. Most primary care physicians, also commonly referred to as family physicians, should be able to treat acne. This treatment will often include an over-the-counter medication or a prescription medication. The type of action taken will likely depend on how severe your child’s acne problem is. In addition to their primary care physician, you may also want to take your child to see a dermatologist. A dermatologist is a medical professional who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions.

Aside from being prescribed medications or given another treatment plan, you and your teenager will likely learn more about acne. Your healthcare provider, whether it is your primary care physician or a dermatologist, should provide you with information on acne. This information should not only include how to treat it, but how to manage acne outbreaks, as well as how to prevent them. Although this important information should automatically be explained to you, it might not be. When it comes to treating acne, it is important to learn more about it; therefore, if it is not automatically explained, you need to ask.

Regardless of which type of medical professional you are speaking with, a primary care physician or a dermatologist, you will likely learn, as mentioned above, that acne is not uncommon in teenagers. It fact, it has been stated that over half of all teenagers will develop a problem with acne, at one time or another. You may also learn that acne not only includes zits, but it also includes blackheads and whiteheads. You should also learn how and why acne develops. It is even possible that your healthcare physician may have also determined an exact cause for your child’s acne problem, such as unclean skin, clogged pores, or greasy health and beauty products.

As you can easily see, you and your child can learn a lot by meeting with a healthcare worker. Despite the fact that you are advised to seek professional assistance, it may not be possible. Whether you are without insurance or you cannot afford a doctor’s visit, your child does not have to suffer from acne. There are a number of over-the-counter medications that may be able to help reduce or completely eliminate the number of blackheads, whiteheads, or pimples that your teenager has. While prescription medications may work more effectively and quicker, over-the-counter medications are great alternatives. These relatively low-cost medications can be purchased from most department stores, drug stores, or grocery stores. The amount of time it takes for your child’s acne to clear up, if it even clears up at all, will all depend on what type of product you are using.

Since acne is relatively easy to treat, at least from your standpoint, you are advised to take action. Whether your teenager complains about their acne or if you think a problem may be in the process of developing, you are advised to get them the help that they need. Whether that help comes from a medical professional or an over-the-counter medication, your teenager will likely be please that action was initiated.

Taking Care Of Acne-Prone Skin

2008-10-16T23:24:00.000+05:30

Although acne has been largely associated with teeners and puberty, the condition is not only confined in this age level. In fact, there are cases when as teeners, people do not suffer from acne only to have acne appear when they are in their 20s.

Acne is characterized by big break outs and pimples in large quantities. It can develop in different areas of the body although frequently found on the face and at the back. Acne often starts from the overactivity of the pilo-sebaceous glands, oil-producing glands. When combined with bacteria, dead skin cells and hormones, these oils are trapped in pores and induces swelling.

Often, lumps will develop into white heads or blackheads or even purely red lumps that are tender. Acne can also lead to scarring when not treated early. Some acne extend so deep within the skin and form nodules and cysts that even when heals, will leave scars that may not disappear.

Although nothing has been proven yet, acne has been known to be exacerbated by emotional stress, fatigue, humidity and even cosmetics. This is the reason why the use of chemicals on the face is strictly forbidden when there is acne as the products only irritate the skin.

There are actually medicines that can be applied to treat acne but before putting them on your face, you need to first consult a doctor to find out the regimen that will fit your condition and your skin type.

Here are some tips on how to take care of acne prone skin.

1. Let it be treated by professionals

The earlier you have it medically treated, the better will be the prognosis. There are medications that can help control the processes that lead to the acne problem such as the over-activity of the sebaceous glands, hormonal imbalances and even stress.

2. Do not take it in your own hands

Do not squeeze your pimples. This will only spread the infection and cause the affected area to swell. Squeezing your pimples may also result in permanent scarring. So be very careful in tweaking those red bumps on your face.

3. Avoid oily cosmetics

Remember that acne-prone skin is oily enough as it is. If you use oily cosmetics, it will only add up to the oil build up. If you have to wear make-up, look for the ones that are water-based. This will be less harsh on the skin. Also, remember to always remove your make-up at night. This is very crucial as leaving make-up on your skin while asleep can further irritate the skin.

6 Effective Ingredients Of Quality Acne Treatments

2008-10-16T23:23:00.003+05:30

If you ask an acne patient who for many years, has used a vast range of topical acne treatments in the hope of finding one that successfully got rid of all the acne spots on her face fully and consistently, whether or not she managed to find one... you can bet that her answer will be, "No I didn't".

Millions of people all over the world break out with acne spots. Unfortunately, only a very small proportion of them "luckily" get to meet somebody who points them in the direction of finding a good quality acne treatment. A topical cream that contains powerful natural and synthetic ingredients that are put together in the right mix to make a formulation that has the ability to effectiely free up some space in the follicular openings in the epidermal layer of their skin. A cream that then allows trapped oily sebum to flow out easily, which in turn, dramatically leaves their skin looking clearer, smoother, tougher, younger, and enviable. A product that does this well... in fact, very well.

It's important to note that your skin is made up of several layers, and we are concerned with the stratum corneum (which is in actual fact the upper layer of the epidermal layer), the remainder of the epidermal layer itself, and the dermis which lies beneath the epidermis. Why note this? Because hyperstimulation of the sebaceous glands in response to a surge in androgenic hormones is what starts everything off, and this happens in the dermis. Also, many of the pronounced comedones form here. As far as the epidermis and stratum corneum are concerned, these layers are full of Propionibacterium Acnes, dirt, debris, and dead skin cells. You need to get rid of these to make it easy to unblock the plugged follicles in the dermis. The most efficient way to achieve this is by the process of "abrasion", "sloughing", or exfoliation, which all mean the same thing really.

My intention here is to talk about specific ingredients that go inside ance treatments that are topically applied, and why such ingredients set the treatments that they are found in, apart from the money wasters. The below average treatments that are merely adequate for people who break out with the mildest form of acne. The type where they break out with one little tiny red spot once in a blue moon. And this is certainly not the case with somebody with large prominent pimples.

If you fit in this latter category of people and would like to know what pioneering skincare experts include in their cosmetic products to bring them to a standard where the formulation is able to effectively get rid of such spots, then here are some pointers for you to follow before you purchase your next acne treatment. This is a list of the most effective, and widely used ingredients in good cosmetic products that will bring about a marginal improvement in your complexion:

1. Glycolic Acid - This is number one on the list for a good reason, and that reason is, that it is one of the most powerful and effective exfoliants in the industry. Glycolic acid penetrates your skin, frees plugged pores and follicles, and does this job well. I would suggest that you end your frustrations with benzoyl peroxide and move onto this ingredient soon.

Glycolic acid is classified as an "alpha hydroxy acid" (AHA). It is a naturally occuring chemical found in sugar cane. There are others - namely lactic acid, citric acid, malic acid, and tartaric acid. These are all less potent than glycolic acid, but they are now all found together in home chemical peel kits. Start using a glycolic acid face wash or moisturizer as soon as possible - a 5% concentration would be good to begin with.

2. Glycolic Compound - There are skin care products in the "chemical peeling" market that consist of high strength glycolic acid, typically 20-70%. These contain something called "glycolic compound" - a pH-balanced complex of glycolic acid and ammonium glycolate. You will find this compound has helped several people achieve excellent results with their skin problems, particularly acne. MD Formulations and MD Forte are top brands that have released lotions, creams, and gels containing this ingredient.

3. Salicylic Acid - Also known as "beta hydroxy acid" and the only one. This is usually found as a 2% concentration in most skincare products. Its mode of action is similar to glycolic acid in that it causes skin cells to slough off. Salicylic acid is a good choice if you get mild to moderate breakouts.

4. Ferulic Acid - This is commonly found in anti-aging products because of it antioxidant properties. Your skin is undergoing constant oxidation. It is being oxidized by free radicals, other environmental pollutants, and the UV rays from the sun. You may think this to be inappropriate for your acne condition, but antioxidants stop oxidation, and this helps to prevent pre-existing scars and lines from advancing further. Antioxidants also help post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation which is a problem that many acne patients get. There are many antioxidants out there, but this one is good and it's widely used in brands like Skinceuticals, Murad, and Dr. Michelle Copeland.

The point to note here is that acne treatments "treat" through different modes of action - exfoliation, dermabrasion, and anti-bacterial action for example. But then there are others which work to "protect" and this is what antioxidants do, so these can prove to be very effective, especially in adult acne. Overall, anti-oxidants are great at improving the integrity of your skin. They give it the radiacne and the glowing effect that you're looking for.

5. Idebenone - Here you can read about idebenone. I have chosen this product to demonstrate the importance of stopping your skin from oxidizing.

Idebenone is an analogue of another anti-oxidant called Co-enzyme Q10. This will make an expensive, but a potent free radical quencher.

6. Ascorbyl palmitate - You will find this in the famous Jan Marini C-ESTA products. It is the fat-soluble form of vitamin C, another antioxidant. This synthetic compound was made fat-soluble to improve its absorption through the skin. Water-soluble products don't penetrate the skin as well as lipid-soluble ones. Again, this one is great for tightening up contours around scarred regions in the T-Zone area, particularly around the nose.

So what I've tried to do here is to give you a good range of products like glycolic acid and other alpha hydroxy acids that unplug your hair follicles and allow oil and debris to flow out from under your skin, as well as powerful antioxidants n the current market that improve the overall integrity of your skin by giving it shine, glow, and make it less bumpy and more smooth.

It's very easy to get wrapped up in the habit of sticking to prescribed antibiotics, or OTC treatments for mild acne and end up frustrated having realized that they don't work, and sometimes even make your acne worse. If this is happening to you, start branching out by discovering more advanced treatments that contain the ingredients discussed herein, and you never know... a breakthrough in finding a treatment that works wonders for you may be just weeks away.

Acne Scarring

2008-10-16T23:23:00.001+05:30

The news is, acne scarring is permanent but can be treated. A final solution for your acne scarring is to have major plastic surgery. Most sever acne is NOT controlled by food, cleanliness, or OTC meds.

However, acne scarring is commonly more significant than this. Acne Scarring is visible markings, lumps or indentations on the skin's surface resulting from scar tissue which has formed as part of the healing proc. The only way to completely prevent acne scarring is by properly treating acne lesions as soon as they form.

The most effective way to prevent acne scarring is to leave the acne alone, however this doesn’t mean you can’t seek expert advice on how best to treat your acne. Acne scarring is most often the result of self-excoriate behavior such as the tendency to pick or squeeze the pimples.

Moderate to sever acne include: nodules, cysts, rosacea and conglobata. For moderate to sever acne, it is advisable to consult with a dermatologist.

Oral Antibiotics:

These are available by prescription for moderate to sever acne. A new topical treatment of moderate to sever acne can help and it’s best to ask your dermatologist first.

Physicians say that the scarring itself represents only a small part of the actual damage.

Acne suffers are aware that where there is acne there will be scarring as well. Many people have the common pimple or breakout, but for a few of the unlucky acne sufferers, acne can cause scarring. Any scarring will improve with time.

Doctors advise people not to squeeze acne themselves, because scarring can result.

Adjacent, no overlapping laser pulses are delivered over the scars. The ultra pulsed carbon dioxide laser, the erbium YAG laser and the pulsed dye yellow light laser are most commonly used for treating acne scarring.

For the improvement of facial acne scarring: a systematic review of the evidence check out Laser resurfacing of the skin The Harmony Pixel Laser is proving to be highly effective in the treatment of acne scarring.

Numerous medical studies have documented the effectiveness of Nd:YAG laser treatments for acne scarring. Acne scar laser treatment is administered by experienced medical staff who have been properly trained in this area. Laser therapy for acne and acne scarring works by targeting the sebaceous, oily glands that cause bacterial entrapment.

Scar reduction is one of the most common uses of laser skin resurfacing. Recent research shows Acne Rosacea can be successfully treated with yellow laser with no side effects. The erbium laser typically is used to produce superficial resurfacing.

Laser skin resurfacing has added to the numerous treatment options available for acne scarring. The latest treatment options for acne scarring are lasers, such as the pulsed carbon dioxide (CO2) laser and the Erbium:YAG laser. There are many treatment options for those who suffer from chronic consistent acne.

The good news is that there are numerous treatment options now available to treat acne scarring. Fortunately there are topical treatment options, depending on the kind of scarring. The first thing to do is to get good advice about the options.

Laser treatment is one of the newer options for getting rid of acne. As with any surgery, it is important to understand the options and procedures. Laser resurfacing is a recent addition to the armamentarium of options for acne scarring. Electrolysis and laser are the best options. Talk to your doctor about the best treatment options for you.

However, acne scarring is commonly more significant than this. One more cause of acne scarring is the pinching and squeezing of acne. A final solution for your acne scarring is to have major plastic surgery. Acne scarring is one of the most embarrassing skin problems faced by many, but help is out there, so make the most of it.

Acne scarring is permanent but can be treated. The only way to completely prevent acne scarring is by properly treating acne lesions as soon as they form. Acne scarring is almost as embarrassing as actual pimples.

Acne scarring is one of the great misfortunes of many people, young and old. For the lucky majority, acne scarring is a minor annoyance, difficult for others to visualize. Acne scarring is what most teenagers and adults fear. Acne scarring is the end result of the body's healing process.

The Unspoken Horror Of Adult Acne

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Did you know that more than 25% of the adult population worldwide suffers from acne? If we leave the pages of statistical data and look at people with plain eyes it will be hard to find a man or a woman who did not suffer the gnawing problem of zits. However, even though this problem is "skin deep", its effects germinate into bouts of despair and social angst, which jeopardizes quality of life.

Digging Into The Roots Of Adult Acne

Sebum secreted from the hair follicles moves to the skin pores and lubricates the skin. But sometimes the oil glands expand, producing an excess of sebum, which ultimately gets trapped in the hair follicle and clogs the pores. These clogged pores permit bacteria and growth of Propionibacterium acnes. This bacteria causes inflammation of the hair follicle and the surrounding skin and thus acne emerges.

Though till now the exact causes of adult acne are not known, most of the theories suggest hormonal imbalances as the root cause. Some other causes proposed are evolutionary biology, diet, stress, vitamin deficiency and the list goes on.

Some Effective Treatments To Get Rid Of Adult Acne

Studies reveal that Vitamin A plays an important role in the reduction of serum and keratin production and thus minimizes their growth in follicle comedos. So, nourish your system with Vitamin A and take at least five servings of vegetables and fresh fruits daily. However, always consult a doctor before starting up with any kind of regime.

Zinc is an important element in treating acne too. Zinc enhances the functions of Vitamin A and lends a helping hand in the healing and regeneration of tissues. Zinc also reduces the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, which shrinks sebum production.

Most acne sufferers lack Selenium, which plays a crucial role in the action of the enzyme Gluthathione Peroxidase that prevents the inflammation of the hair follicle. Vitamin E minimizes this process and plays a vital part in the action of Vitamin A and Selenium.

Friendly bacteria, Acidophilus, can check injurious intestinal bacteria including yeasts such as Candida albicans. You can take in Acidophilus either in gel capsule form or as yogurt with live culture.

Benozyl peroxide reduces pimples and is effective for acne. You can have it in cream or lotion form.

Creams containing sulphur are also useful in treating acne

Medications containing iodide and bromide can worsen your acne condition so stay away from such products.

All these things are medicines, all of which may have side effects and should not be taken without a prescription and the guidance of a doctor.

Good News For Foodies

You will be glad to know that chocolate or fried foods do not cause acne. These foods are often seen as unhealthy food habits and therefore "must be" related to skin breakouts, but this theory has no scientific backing.

However, foods which are high in refined sugar, trans-fatty acid (milk products) oxidized fatty acids (fried oils) and synthetically hydrogenated vegetable oil contents may not cause acne but are definitely not very good for your health, and so an excess of these foods should be avoided. You can be infected with intestinal toxemia if your diet is low on fiber and essential vitamins and high on these contents. The result of glut of toxins may show on your skin.

Some Natural Remedies Of Adult Acne

The good news about the use of natural things is that they come without the risk of side effects.

Name And Fame Of Some Natural Ingredients

Azelaic acid

This acid makes the keratin production stable and you will get almost same results as using Benzoyl- Peroxide or oral antibiotics.

Tea Tree Oil

Reduces acne with its antibacterial and antifungal qualities.

Green Tea

A renowned antioxidant, which trims down inflammation and infection

Topical Vitamin C And E

Both are strong antioxidants, which improve skin condition by diminishing inflammation and infection.

Fruit Acids (AHAs And BHAs)

These acids gently exfoliate your skin, leaving it smooth.

Some Tips To Control Outbursts Of Adult Acne

Cleanse your face with a mild soap or sulphur soap but do not rub your face with a towel.

Never ever pick or squeeze the zits, it will only worsen your skin condition.

Some acne treatment products will hike up your skin's photosensitivity so when you are using these products, use a sunscreen and wear a hat when you are out. Avoid the tanning booths while using these products as well.

Try to avoid the use of oil-based products on your skin. To prevent the clogging of pores use only "noncomdomedogenic" skin products

Try to avoid friction from sports equipment and airborne grease from fast food places; these can make your acne worse.

Along with a good diet include at least 8 to ten glasses of water in your daily regimen to keep your system clean and the skin glowing

Choosing the right path will help your skin get rid of adult acne scars. Make your skin dazzle with a smooth glow by following the tips in this article.

Natural Acne Treatments For A Healthier Skin: Part 2

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Treat Acne Naturally With An Acne Diet

The importance of nutrition in preventing, controlling and eliminating acne has already been touched upon. Let us take a closer look at how controlling what we eat can treat acne naturally. Without a question your diet can influence the way you look and feel. Research has shown time and again that certain food items make you feel good while some make you unwell and unhealthy. It is good for you to identify those food types which are healthy for you and to include these in your diet.

An Acne Food Plan

1. If you suffer from acne, it will be helpful to reduce your intake of milk. Your acne meal plan should not have more than maximum two glasses of milk per day. There are a number of hormones in cow's milk which can be harmful to your skin.

2. Eat a lot of fish. Fish is well known to have the omega 3 oils that are so good for the heart and surprisingly also for the skin. Hence, if you want a natural acne remedy, you need to eat more fish.

3. Have as little sugar as you can. Sweets, sugary drinks, cookies, chocolates and similar things which contain sugar should be avoided at all costs to help remedy acne by natural means.

4. Studies have shown that the levels of sebum in and on the skin are directly related to the presence of acne. Adopting a plant-based, low fat food diet may help to reduce the levels of sebum in and on your skin, thereby improving your acne.

5. Try and increase your intake of fresh fruit and vegetables in your diet which are loaded with acne-fighting vitamins and antioxidants.

The goal in treating acne whether by natural means or conventional medications, is to reduce the levels of sebum (oils) in and on your skin. Concentrate on keeping your skin oil-free with a healthy acne meal plan.

Vitamins For A Natural Acne Remedy

Like other organs of the body, skin needs the correct amount of vitamins for its health. The skin defends the body against external harmful agents as well as excreting toxic compounds through glands and pores. Therefore, it is matter of common sense to conclude the importance of taking the necessary amount of vitamins for acne to assist the body's healing mechanism. Here are some of the vitamins and minerals that can be used as part of a natural acne treatment regimen. For more advice on vitamins and antioxidants.

Vitamin A

Studies have revealed that reduced levels of vitamin A in the body can result in or aggravate acne. The main process whereby vitamin A prevents or improves acne is by reducing the production of sebum ( a natural oil that is produced in the skin to lubricate it). Vitamin A also serves another necessary function for the skin and overall health by serving as an antioxidant. Antioxidants help to eliminate toxic free radicals in the body. Green leafy vegetables, yellow or orange fruits and carrots are the best natural sources for vitamin A.

Vitamin B

Vitamin B is actually a group of vitamins containing Thiamine (vitamin B1), Riboflavin (vitamin B2), Niacin (also called Nicotinic Acid/Niacinamide, vitaminB3), Pantothenic Acid, Pyridoxine (vitamin B6), and Cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12). The vitamin B complex help to keep the skin's health. Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) is notably important due to its antioxidant role . A lack of vitamin B can precipitate or exacerbate acne. Natural food sources of vitamin B complex include sweet potatoes, avocados, green pepper, chickpeas, bananas, blackcurrants and watermelons.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C helps in in the production of collagen in the body. Collagen is the connective tissue found in skin and bones. Also, vitamin C fortifies immunity and fights against infections. One should bear in mind that acne is a skin infection and improving immune function assists in the fight against acne. Vitamin C also boosts the body's healing powers and helps in the absorption of iron. Smoking, taking antibiotics or oral contraceptives depletes your body's vitamin C levels. If you fall into any of these categories, you will need to proportionately increase your vitamin C intake. Natural sources of vitamin C are oranges, grapefruit, lemons, blackcurrants and blackberries.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is another vital vitamin for a natural acne treatment. It has antioxidant properties that work to heal and repair skin tissues. Vitamin E protects against cellular damage by checking the oxidation of fats and also by inhibiting the development of free radicals. A recommended daily dose of vitamin E is 400 IU.

Besides the use of vitamins to improve symptoms of acne, the minerals zinc and chromium are also effective in the battle against acne.

In conclusion, there are several natural acne remedies which acne sufferers can try that have been shown to be effective in eliminating acne. Investigate each treatment option carefully and choose the right one for your skin.

Natural Acne Treatments For A Healthier Skin: Part 1

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Natural Acne Treatment

Acne sufferers have most probably studied, heard and read of many miraculous cures, which supposedly can cure your acne overnight. It's a medical fact that acne cannot be cured. Acne is a skin disorder that a person must grow out of. Don’t spend your time and money on overnight remedies. Instead, take a minute and understand your own skin disorder so you can discover the right treatment for it.

It is important to understand from the outset that each person is different and therefore a remedy that works wonders for some people may fail completely on others. You have to decide whether you want to try conventional medical acne treatments or natural acne remedies. Chemical formulations and pharmaceutical products can trigger allergic, toxic and other adverse reactions. Natural acne treatments tend to be more gentle on the body, but results can be slower.

Natural Acne Treatment Guide

Nature's way to treat acne includes changing your diet, improving bowel function, cleansing the internal body organs using herbal products and avoiding certain foods. For more information on treating acne, visit http://www.treatingacne-inc.com

Changing Your Diet

You need to stop eating foods that poison your insides. Two important elements to eliminate from your daily meals are sugar and fats. Refined sugar should be stopped altogether from entering your system. This means eliminating sugary drinks such as sodas and certain fruit juices, sweets, candy and other sugary treats. Sugar is however required as a quick source of energy for the body. There are suitable substitutes in the form of nutritional supplements, some examples being 'Superfoods' or 'Green Drinks'. These supplements increase the body's antioxidant levels which also helps as a natural remedy for acne.

Among fats, hydrogenated oils should be cut completely out your diet. This means avoiding cookies, cakes, desserts, snack crackers and all other sources of bad fats. The best foodstuffs to replace these fats are the natural oils such as olive oil, cod liver oil, and coconut oil as well as nuts and seeds.

Food Combinations

Eating the right combination of food items is an integral part of a natural acne treatment regimen. Nutritionists suggest that you eat fruit by itself without mixing them with other food types, and particularly not following a heavy meal. Vegetables should be cooked or eaten either with oil or meat, but not combined with both in one go. Salad is perfectly acceptable to be combined with all different kinds of vegetables. Finally, starches (bread, pasta, potatoes etc.) should not be eaten together with meats.

Other Harmful Food Substances

As part of the natural acne remedy, you must stop taking harmful ingredients for example Monosodium glutamate or MSG (found in Chinese foods, processed meats and tenderizers) and the neurotoxin Aspartame (used as an artificial sweetener in diet drinks).

Internal Body Cleansing

The chief focus of natural acne treatment is internal body cleansing. This functions differently for different body organs such as kidneys and liver. Again, select a herbal formula for cleansing each of these organs.

Bowel Movement

While the majority of people have their bowels emptied once every 24 hours, natural bowel movement should be more often. In addition, a a bowel emptying should take place in 30 seconds. If it takes more than that, the digestion is slow, mainly because of the presence of difficult-to-digest foodstuffs. The poisonous waste is therefore staying dormant in the intestines for some time and this ultimately results in acne. The best method to make your bowels work easily is to cease eating processed foods and red meat, or reduce their intake. Alternatively, use any of the effective herbal formulations available in the market. '4 Total Cleanse' is one such recognized herbal formula for acne that works by improving bowel function.

Parasite Cleansing

The next stage in the natural acne treatment is cleansing your gut of parasites that can precipitate infections and result in acne. Herbal treatments are available for parasite cleansing and you can use them in combination with herbal formulations for bowel movements.

Natural acne remedies work gradually and sometimes relatively slowly thus, do not expect a miraculous recovery no matter what type of natural acne treatment you are trying out. Follow the treatment as indicated and don’t pause midway because you see some signs of improvement. At times you may need to use the treatment even after your acne has totally improved.Don’t be taken in by myths and cure remedies that have not first been approved by your medical doctor as you may further irritate your skin disorder and cause even more damage than repair.

For more, effective natural acne remedies, see part 2 of this article.

What Is Body Acne And What Can Be Done?

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Body acne can plague the skin of all parts of the body. The skin is the largest organ on the body and contains many layers with the most common layer being the epidermis. This layer covers the whole body and is made up of hairs, oil glands, nerves and nerve endings, sweat glands, blood vessels, cells, and sensory cells. The environment plays a huge part in causing a film to be placed upon the body everyday. Germs and dirt attach onto the skin in everyday life, which makes cleaning the skin essential.

Body acne can appear anywhere on the body. The most frequent place for most acne is on the face, followed by other parts of the body. The chest, shoulders, back and even buttocks can become the affected areas on the body. Many cases of body acne are caused by external objects, for example a purse strap, which may cause friction and result in acne-prone areas. The dirt that may be on the strap can transfer onto the skin, thus providing the bacteria and consequentially causing acne. Sports equipment can be a contributing factor, as the bacteria that has remained on the equipment can transfer to skin and cause inflamed areas. Many dermatologists suggest wearing clothing that will wick away the moisture and keep skin area protected from any underlying microorganisms. The buttocks can become crucial areas for body acne to appear, as there is an inevitable factor of friction of clothing always providing an irritant. Taking care of any affected area will help to lessen the problem of acne.

Suggestions for combating body acne include taking vitamins to boost nutrients in the body and to provide healthy tissue growth and prevent continuous outbreaks. Bathing regularly and using a topical ointment can provide a relief from problem areas. If acne becomes a larger problem, consulting a dermatologist can provide solutions to combat body acne. Sun exposure, while previously considered a treatment, is no longer recommended. While the skin does become darker eliminating the red marks, more skin damage can occur unless proper precautions are taken. Consistent sunbathing will dry the skin and will result in more production of oil. Old sun-exposed cells will slough off more frequently, mixing with skin oils, and will result in a greater chance of blocked pores.

Getting enough quality sleep and loading up on beneficial food and lots of water can ensure the best possible environment for the healthiest skin. Body acne can also be treated with hormonal medications and prescriptions from a dermatologist. Avoiding tight-fitting clothing and using an exfoliant like a loofah sponge in the bath or shower can help keep dead cells off the skin’s surface and away from follicles and pores. Body acne can cause problems, but following just a few simple indications can help combat a controllable situation.

How To Treat Your Acne At Home

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Home treatment for acne includes care from the inside out, as well as taking good care of your skin.

Cleanse your face using a cleanser appropriate for your skin type, that will not dry out your face or leave it greasy.

Diet can be important, although there is some debate as to whether certain foods exacerbate acne. Keep track of when your breakouts are worst, and if there seems to be a particluar food that causes flareups, cut it out of your diet.

Remember that good nutrition will have a positive effect on your complexion. If you are not eating properly, consider a multivitamin daily, as well as taking MSM, which enables your body to absorb nutrients more efficiently.

Remember that exfoliation is important to remove skin cells that may lead to clogged pores. Be careful if you have sensitive skin, as this may aggravate the condition. Instead of a grainy scrub, you may want to look for a product with buffered chemical exfoliants, and remember to test any product on a small patch of skin to make sure you are not going to react negatively to it.

There are many over the counter treatments for acne. Salicylic acid helps cell turnover, and benzoyl peroxide is an effective way to reduce the number of bacteria on the skin, and reduce inflammation associated with pimples. It is best to apply a small amount all over the face, because there is little you can do about the acne you actually see; it is more about preventing the blemishes that are forming beneath the surface.

If, even after using the above preventive and treatment measures, don't be afraid to talk to your doctor. There have been many advances in acne treatment, and your doctor may prescribe oral or topical antibiotics or lotions and creams to help you deal with your condition more effectively.

There is no reason you need to suffer alone. Acne can be embarrassing, but the feeling of finally being able to control it is worth anything you need to do to get there!

Acne Medications for Quick Recovery

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Read this Medication Guide every time you get a prescription or a refill for Accutane (ACK-u-tane). There may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking with your prescriber (doctor or other health care provider).

What is the most important information I should know about Accutane?

Accutane is used to treat a type of severe acne (nodular acne) that has not been helped by other treatments, including antibiotics. However, Accutane can cause serious side effects. Before starting Accutane, discuss with your prescriber how bad your acne is, the possible benefits of Accutane, and its possible side effects, to decide if Accutane is right for you. Your prescriber will ask you to read and sign a form or forms indicating you understand some of the serious risks of Accutane.

Possible serious side effects of taking Accutane include birth defects and mental disorders.

1. Birth defects. Accutane can cause birth defects (deformed babies) if taken by a pregnant woman. It can also cause miscarriage (losing the baby before birth), premature (early) birth, or death of the baby. Do not take Accutane if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while you are taking Accutane. Do not get pregnant for 1 month after you stop taking Accutane. Also, if you get pregnant while taking Accutane, stop taking it right away and call your prescriber.

All females should read the section in this Medication Guide "What are the important warnings for females taking Accutane?"

2. Mental problems and suicide. Some patients, while taking Accutane or soon after stopping Accutane, have become depressed or developed other serious mental problems. Symptoms of these problems include sad, "anxious" or empty mood, irritability, anger, loss of pleasure or interest in social or sports activities, sleeping too much or too little, changes in weight or appetite, school or work performance going down, or trouble concentrating. Some patients taking Accutane have had thoughts about hurting themselves or putting an end to their own lives (suicidal thoughts). Some people tried to end their own lives. And some people have ended their own lives. There were reports that some of these people did not appear depressed. No one knows if Accutane caused these behaviors or if they would have happened even if the person did not take Accutane.

All patients should read the section in this Medication Guide "What are the signs of mental problems?"

For other possible serious side effects of Accutane, see "What are the possible side effects of Accutane?" in this Medication Guide.

What are the important warnings for females taking Accutane?

You must not become pregnant while taking Accutane, or for 1 month after you stop taking Accutane. Accutane can cause severe birth defects in babies of women who take it while they are pregnant, even if they take Accutane for only a short time. There is an extremely high risk that your baby will be deformed or will die if you are pregnant while taking Accutane. Taking Accutane also increases the chance of miscarriage and premature births.

Female patients will not get their first prescription for Accutane unless there is proof they have had 2 negative pregnancy tests. The first test must be done when your prescriber decides to prescribe Accutane. The second pregnancy test must be done during the first 5 days of the menstrual period right before starting Accutane therapy, or as instructed by your prescriber. Each month of treatment, you must have a negative result from a urine or serum pregnancy test. Female patients cannot get another prescription for Accutane unless there is proof that they have had a negative pregnancy test.

A yellow self-adhesive Accutane Qualification Sticker on your prescription indicates to the pharmacist that you are qualified by your prescriber to get Accutane.

While you are taking Accutane, you must use effective birth control. You must use 2 separate effective forms of birth control at the same time for at least 1 month before starting Accutane, while you take it, and for 1 month after you stop taking it. You can either discuss effective birth control methods with your prescriber or go for a free visit to discuss birth control with another physician or family planning expert. Your prescriber can arrange this free visit, which will be paid for by the manufacturer.

You must use 2 separate forms of effective birth control because any method, including birth control pills and sterilization, can fail. There are only 2 reasons you would not need to use 2 separate methods of effective birth control:

1. You have had your womb removed by surgery (a hysterectomy).

2. You are absolutely certain you will not have genital-to-genital sexual contact with a male before, during, and for 1 month after Accutane treatment.

If you have sex at any time without using 2 forms of effective birth control, get pregnant, or miss your period, stop using Accutane and call your prescriber right away.

All patients should read the rest of this Medication Guide.

What are the signs of mental problems?

Tell your prescriber if, to the best of your knowledge, you or someone in your family has ever had any mental illness, including depression, suicidal behavior, or psychosis. Psychosis means a loss of contact with reality, such as hearing voices or seeing things that are not there. Also, tell your prescriber if you take medicines for any of these problems.

Stop using Accutane and tell your provider right away if you:

? Start to feel sad or have crying spells

? Lose interest in activities you once enjoyed

? Sleep too much or have trouble sleeping

? Become more irritable than usual

? Have a change in your appetite or body weight

? Have trouble concentrating

? Withdraw from your friends or family

? Feel like you have no energy

? Have feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt

? Start having thoughts about hurting yourself or taking your own life (suicidal thoughts)

What is Accutane?

Accutane is used to treat the most severe form of acne (nodular acne) that cannot be cleared up by any other acne treatments, including antibiotics. In severe nodular acne, many red, swollen, tender lumps form in the skin. These can be the size of pencil erasers or larger. If untreated, nodular acne can lead to permanent scars. However, because Accutane can have serious side effects, you should talk with your prescriber about all of the possible treatments for your acne, and whether Accutane?s possible benefits outweigh its possible risks.

Who should not take Accutane?

? Do not take Accutane if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or become pregnant during Accutane treatment. Accutane causes severe birth defects. All females should read the section "What are the important warnings for females taking Accutane?" for more information and warnings about Accutane and pregnancy.

? Do not take Accutane unless you completely understand its possible risks and are willing to follow all of the instructions in this Medication Guide.

Tell your prescriber if you or someone in your family has had any kind of mental problems, asthma, liver disease, diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis (bone loss), weak bones, anorexia nervosa (an eating disorder where people eat too little), or any other important health problems. Tell your prescriber about any food or drug allergies you have had in the past. These problems do not necessarily mean you cannot take Accutane, but your prescriber needs this information to discuss if Accutane is right for you.

How should I take Accutane?

? You will get no more than a 30-day supply of Accutane at a time, to be sure you check in with your prescriber each month to discuss side effects.

? Your prescription should have a special yellow self-adhesive sticker attached to it. The sticker is YELLOW. If your prescription does not have this yellow self-adhesive sticker, call your prescriber. The pharmacy should not fill your prescription unless it has the yellow self-adhesive sticker.

? The amount of Accutane you take has been specially chosen for you and may change during treatment.

? You will take Accutane 2 times a day with a meal, unless your prescriber tells you otherwise. Swallow your Accutane capsules with a full glass of liquid. This will help prevent the medication inside the capsule from irritating the lining of your esophagus (connection between mouth and stomach). For the same reason, do not chew or suck on the capsule.

? If you miss a dose, just skip that dose. Do not take 2 doses the next time.

? You should return to your prescriber as directed to make sure you don?t have signs of serious side effects. Because some of Accutane?s serious side effects show up in blood tests, some of these visits may involve blood tests (monthly visits for female patients should always include a urine or serum pregnancy test).

What should I avoid while taking Accutane?

? Do not get pregnant while taking Accutane. See "What is the most important information I should know about Accutane?" and "What are the important warnings for females taking Accutane?"

? Do not breast feed while taking Accutane and for 1 month after stopping Accutane. We do not know if Accutane can pass through your milk and harm the baby.

? Do not give blood while you take Accutane and for 1 month after stopping Accutane. If someone who is pregnant gets your donated blood, her baby may be exposed to Accutane and may be born with birth defects.

? Do not take vitamin A supplements. Vitamin A in high doses has many of the same side effects as Accutane. Taking both together may increase your chance of getting side effects.

? Do not have cosmetic procedures to smooth your skin, including waxing, dermabrasion, or laser procedures, while you are using Accutane and for at least 6 months after you stop. Accutane can increase your chance of scarring from these procedures. Check with your prescriber for advice about when you can have cosmetic procedures.

? Avoid sunlight and ultraviolet lights as much as possible. Tanning machines use ultraviolet lights. Accutane may make your skin more sensitive to light.

? Do not use birth control pills that do not contain estrogen ("minipills"). They may not work while you take Accutane. Ask your prescriber or pharmacist if you are not sure what type you are using.

? Talk with your doctor if you plan to take other drugs or herbal products. This is especially important for patients using birth control pills and other hormonal types of birth control because the birth control may not work as effectively if you are taking certain drugs or herbal products. You should not take the herbal supplement St. John?s Wort because this herbal supplement may make birth control pills not work as effectively.

? Talk with your doctor if you are currently taking an oral or injected corticosteroid or anticonvulsant (seizure) medication prior to using Accutane. These drugs may weaken your bones.

? Do not share Accutane with other people. It can cause birth defects and other serious health problems.

? Do not take Accutane with antibiotics unless you talk to your prescriber. For some antibiotics, you may have to stop taking Accutane until the antibiotic treatment is finished. Use of both drugs together can increase the chances of getting increased pressure in the brain.

What are the possible side effects of Accutane?

Accutane has possible serious side effects

? Accutane can cause birth defects, premature births, and death in babies whose mothers took Accutane while they were pregnant. See "What is the most important information I should know about Accutane?" and "What are the important warnings for females taking Accutane?"

? Serious mental health problems. See "What is the most important information I should know about Accutane?"

? Serious brain problems. Accutane can increase the pressure in your brain. This can lead to permanent loss of sight, or in rare cases, death. Stop taking Accutane and call your prescriber right away if you get any of these signs of increased brain pressure: bad headache, blurred vision, dizziness, nausea, or vomiting. Also, some patients taking Accutane have had seizures (convulsions) or stroke.

? Abdomen (stomach area) problems. Certain symptoms may mean that your internal organs are being damaged. These organs include the liver, pancreas, bowel (intestines), and esophagus (connection between mouth and stomach). If your organs are damaged, they may not get better even after you stop taking Accutane. Stop taking Accutane and call your prescriber if you get severe stomach, chest or bowel pain, trouble swallowing or painful swallowing, new or worsening heartburn, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, yellowing of your skin or eyes, or dark urine.

? Bone and muscle problems. Accutane may affect bones, muscles, and ligaments and cause pain in your joints or muscles. Tell your prescriber if you plan vigorous physical activity during treatment with Accutane. Tell your prescriber if you develop pain, particularly back pain or joint pain. There are reports that some patients have had stunted growth after taking Accutane for acne as directed. There are also some reports of broken bones or reduced healing of broken bones after taking Accutane for acne as directed. No one knows if taking Accutane for acne will affect your bones. If you have a broken bone, tell your provider that you are taking Accutane. Muscle weakness with or without pain can be a sign of serious muscle damage. If this happens, stop taking Accutane and call your prescriber right away.

? Hearing problems. Some people taking Accutane have developed hearing problems. It is possible that hearing loss can be permanent. Stop using Accutane and call your prescriber if your hearing gets worse or if you have ringing in your ears.

? Vision problems. While taking Accutane you may develop a sudden inability to see in the dark, so driving at night can be dangerous. This condition usually clears up after you stop taking Accutane, but it may be permanent. Other serious eye effects can occur. Stop taking Accutane and call your prescriber right away if you have any problems with your vision or dryness of the eyes that is painful or constant.

? Lipid (fats and cholesterol in blood) problems. Many people taking Accutane develop high levels of cholesterol and other fats in their blood. This can be a serious problem. Return to your prescriber for blood tests to check your lipids and to get any needed treatment. These problems generally go away when Accutane treatment is finished.

? Allergic reactions. In some people, Accutane can cause serious allergic reactions. Stop taking Accutane and get emergency care right away if you develop hives, a swollen face or mouth, or have trouble breathing. Stop taking Accutane and call your prescriber if you develop a fever, rash, or red patches or bruises on your legs.

? Signs of other possibly serious problems. Accutane may cause other problems. Tell your prescriber if you have trouble breathing (shortness of breath), are fainting, are very thirsty or urinate a lot, feel weak, have leg swelling, convulsions, slurred speech, problems moving, or any other serious or unusual problems. Frequent urination and thirst can be signs of blood sugar problems.

Serious permanent problems do not happen often. However, because the symptoms listed above may be signs of serious problems, if you get these symptoms, stop taking Accutane and call your prescriber. If not treated, they could lead to serious health problems. Even if these problems are treated, they may not clear up after you stop taking Accutane.

Accutane has less serious possible side effects

The common less serious side effects of Accutane are dry skin, chapped lips, dry eyes, and dry nose that may lead to nosebleeds. People who wear contact lenses may have trouble wearing them while taking Accutane and after therapy. Sometimes, people?s acne may get worse for a while. They should continue taking Accutane unless told to stop by their prescriber.

These are not all of Accutane?s possible side effects. Your prescriber or pharmacist can give you more detailed information that is written for health care professionals.

This Medication Guide is only a summary of some important information about Accutane. Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide. If you have any concerns or questions about Accutane, ask your prescriber. Do not use Accutane for a condition for which it was not prescribed.

Active Ingredient: Isotretinoin.

Inactive Ingredients: beeswax, butylated hydroxyanisole, edetate disodium, hydrogenated soybean oil flakes, hydrogenated vegetable oil, and soybean oil. Gelatin capsules contain glycerin and parabens (methyl and propyl), with the following dye systems: 10 mg ? iron oxide (red) and titanium dioxide; 20 mg ? FD&C Red No. 3, FD&C Blue No. 1, and titanium dioxide; 40 mg ? FD&C Yellow No. 6, D&C Yellow No. 10, and titanium dioxide.

Basic Knowledge on Acne Scarring

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A detailed and comprehensive discussion of acne scars starts with causes of scarring, prevention of scarring, types of scars, and treatments for scars.

Before talking about scars, a word about spots that may look like scars but are not scars in the sense that a permanent change has occurred. Even though they are not true scars and disappear in time, they are visible and can cause embarrassment.

Macules or "pseudo-scars" are flat, red or reddish spots that are the final stage of most inflamed acne lesions. After an inflamed acne lesion flattens, a macule may remain to "mark the spot" for up to 6 months. When the macule eventually disappears, no trace of it will remain—unlike a scar.

Post-inflammatory pigmentation is discoloration of the skin at the site of a healed or healing inflamed acne lesion. It occurs more frequently in darker-skinned people, but occasionally is seen in people with white skin. Early treatment by a dermatologist may minimize the development of post-inflammatory pigmentation. Some post-inflammatory pigmentation may persist for up to 18 months, especially with excessive sun exposure. Chemical peeling may hasten the disappearance of post-inflammatory pigmentation.

Causes of Acne Scars

In the simplest terms, scars form at the site of an injury to tissue. They are the visible reminders of injury and tissue repair. In the case of acne, the injury is caused by the body’s inflammatory response to sebum, bacteria and dead cells in the plugged sebaceous follicle. Two types of true scars exist, as discussed later: (1) depressed areas such as ice-pick scars, and (2) raised thickened tissue such as keloids.

When tissue suffers an injury, the body rushes its repair kit to the injury site. Among the elements of the repair kit are white blood cells and an array of inflammatory molecules that have the task of repairing tissue and fighting infection. However, when their job is done they may leave a somewhat messy repair site in the form of fibrous scar tissue, or eroded tissue.

White blood cells and inflammatory molecules may remain at the site of an active acne lesion for days or even weeks. In people who are susceptible to scarring, the result may be an acne scar. The occurrence and incidence of scarring is still not well understood, however. There is considerable variation in scarring between one person and another, indicating that some people are more prone to scarring than others. Scarring frequently results from severe inflammatory nodulocystic acne that occurs deep in the skin. But, scarring also may arise from more superficial inflamed lesions. Nodulocystic acne that is most likely to result in scars is seen in these photos:

National Library of Dermatologic Teaching Slides)

The life history of scars also is not well understood. Some people bear their acne scars for a lifetime with little change in the scars, but in other people the skin undergoes some degree of remodeling and acne scars diminish in size.

People also have differing feelings about acne scars. Scars of more or less the same size that may be psychologically distressing to one person may be accepted by another person as "not too bad." The person who is distressed by scars is more likely to seek treatment to moderate or remove the scars.

Prevention of Acne Scars

As discussed in the previous section on Causes of Acne Scars, the occurrence of scarring is different in different people. It is difficult to predict who will scar, how extensive or deep scars will be, and how long scars will persist. It is also difficult to predict how successfully scars can be prevented by effective acne treatment.

Nevertheless, the only sure method of preventing or limiting the extent of scars is to treat acne early in its course, and as long as necessary. The more that inflammation can be prevented or moderated, the more likely it is that scars can be prevented. (Click on Acne Treatments for more information about treatment of mild, moderate and severe acne). Any person with acne who has a known tendency to scar should be under the care of a dermatologist. (Click on Find a Dermatologist to locate a dermatologist in your geographic area).

Types of Acne Scars

There are two general types of acne scars, defined by tissue response to inflammation: (1) scars caused by increased tissue formation, and (2) scars caused by loss of tissue.

Scars Caused by Increased Tissue Formation

The scars caused by increased tissue formation are called keloids or hypertrophic scars. The word hypertrophy means "enlargement" or "overgrowth." Both hypertrophic and keloid scars are associated with excessive amounts of the cell substance collagen. Overproduction of collagen is a response of skin cells to injury. The excess collagen becomes piled up in fibrous masses, resulting in a characteristic firm, smooth, usually irregularly-shaped scar. The photo shows a typical severe acne keloid:

National Library of Dermatologic Teaching Slides)

The typical keloid or hypertrophic scar is 1 to 2 millimeters in diameter, but some may be 1 centimeter or larger. Keloid scars tend to "run in families"—that is, abnormal growth of scar tissue is more likely to occur in susceptible people, who often are people with relatives who have similar types of scars.

Hypertrophic and keloid scars persist for years, but may diminish in size over time.

Scars Caused by Loss of Tissue

Acne scars associated with loss of tissue—similar to scars that result from chicken pox—are more common than keloids and hypertrophic scars. Scars associated with loss of tissue are:

Ice-pick scars usually occur on the cheek. They are usually small, with a somewhat jagged edge and steep sides—like wounds from an ice pick. Ice-pick scars may be shallow or deep, and may be hard or soft to the touch. Soft scars can be improved by stretching the skin; hard ice-pick scars cannot be stretched out.

Depressed fibrotic scars are usually quite large, with sharp edges and steep sides. The base of these scars is firm to the touch. Ice-pick scars may evolve into depressed fibrotic scars over time.

Soft scars, superficial or deep are soft to the touch. They have gently sloping rolled edges that merge with normal skin. They are usually small, and either circular or linear in shape.

Atrophic macules are usually fairly small when they occur on the face, but may be a centimeter or larger on the body. They are soft, often with a slightly wrinkled base, and may be bluish in appearance due to blood vessels lying just under the scar. Over time, these scars change from bluish to ivory white in color in white-skinned people, and become much less obvious.

Follicular macular atrophy is more likely to occur on the chest or back of a person with acne. These are small, white, soft lesions, often barely raised above the surface of the skin—somewhat like whiteheads that didn’t fully develop. This condition is sometimes also called "perifollicular elastolysis." The lesions may persist for months to years.

Treatments for Acne Scars

A number of treatments are available for acne scars through dermatologic surgery. The type of treatment selected should be the one that is best for you in terms of your type of skin, the cost, what you want the treatment to accomplish, and the possibility that some types of treatment may result in more scarring if you are very susceptible to scar formation.

A decision to seek dermatologic surgical treatment for acne scars also depends on:

* The way you feel about scars. Do acne scars psychologically or emotionally affect your life? Are you willing to "live with your scars" and wait for them to fade over time? These are personal decisions only you can make.

* The severity of your scars. Is scarring substantially disfiguring, even by objective assessment?

* A dermatologist’s expert opinion as to whether scar treatment is justified in your particular case, and what scar treatment will be most effective for you.

Before committing to treatment of acne scars, you should have a frank discussion with your dermatologist regarding those questions, and any others you feel are important. You need to tell the dermatologist how you feel about your scars. The dermatologist needs to conduct a full examination and determine whether treatment can, or should, be undertaken.

The objective of scar treatment is to give the skin a more acceptable physical appearance. Total restoration of the skin, to the way it looked before you had acne, is often not possible, but scar treatment does usually improve the appearance of your skin.

The scar treatments that are currently available include:

Collagen injection. Collagen, a normal substance of the body, is injected under the skin to "stretch" and "fill out" certain types of superficial and deep soft scars. Collagen treatment usually does not work as well for ice-pick scars and keloids. Collagen derived from cows or other non-human sources cannot be used in people with autoimmune diseases. Human collagen or fascia is helpful for those allergic to cow-derived collagen. Cosmetic benefit from collagen injection usually lasts 3 to 6 months. Additional collagen injections to maintain the cosmetic benefit are done at additional cost.

Autologous fat transfer. Fat is taken from another site on your own body and prepared for injection into your skin. The fat is injected beneath the surface of the skin to elevate depressed scars. This method of autologous (from your own body) fat transfer is usually used to correct deep contour defects caused by scarring from nodulocystic acne. Because the fat is reabsorbed into the skin over a period of 6 to 18 months, the procedure usually must be repeated. Longer lasting results may be achieved with multiple fat-transfer procedures.

Dermabrasion. This is thought to be the most effective treatment for acne scars. Under local anesthetic, a high-speed brush or fraise used to remove surface skin and alter the contour of scars. Superficial scars may be removed altogether, and deeper scars may be reduced in depth. Dermabrasion does not work for all kinds of scars; for example, it may make ice-pick scars more noticeable if the scars are wider under the skin than at the surface. In darker-skinned people, dermabrasion may cause changes in pigmentation that require additional treatment.

Microdermabrasion. This new technique is a surface form of dermabrasion. Rather than a high-speed brush, microdermabrasion uses aluminum oxide crystals passing through a vacuum tube to remove surface skin. Only the very surface cells of the skin are removed, so no additional wound is created. Multiple procedures are often required but scars may not be significantly improved.

Laser Treatment. Lasers of various wavelength and intensity may be used to recontour scar tissue and reduce the redness of skin around healed acne lesions. The type of laser used is determined by the results that the laser treatment aims to accomplish. Tissue may actually be removed with more powerful instruments such as the carbon dioxide laser. In some cases, a single treatment is all that will be necessary to achieve permanent results. Because the skin absorbs powerful bursts of energy from the laser, there may be post-treatment redness for several months.

Skin Surgery. Some ice-pick scars may be removed by "punch" excision of each individual scar. In this procedure each scar is excised down to the layer of subcutaneous fat; the resulting hole in the skin may be repaired with sutures or with a small skin graft. Subcision is a technique in which a surgical probe is used to lift the scar tissue away from unscarred skin, thus elevating a depressed scar.

Skin grafting may be necessary under certain conditions—for example, sometimes dermabrasion unroofs massive and extensive tunnels (also called sinus tracts) caused by inflammatory reaction to sebum and bacteria in sebaceous follicles. Skin grafting may be needed to close the defect of the unroofed sinus tracts.

Treatment of keloids. Surgical removal is seldom if ever used to treat keloids. A person whose skin has a tendency to form keloids from acne damage may also form keloids in response to skin surgery. Sometimes keloids are treated by injecting steroid drugs into the skin around the keloid. Topical retinoic acid may be applied directly on the keloid. In some cases the best treatment for keloids in a highly susceptible person is no treatment at all.

In summary, acne scars are caused by the body’s inflammatory response to acne lesions. The best way to prevent scars is to treat acne early, and as long as necessary. If scars form, a number of effective treatments are available. Dermatologic surgery treatments should be discussed with a dermatologist.

Are You Looking For Acne Solutions That Really Work?

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Scrubbing and abrasives should be avoided. Experts have said that they irritate the skin, which should be left intact as a natural barrier against the acne-causing bacteria.

It is not yet known exactly what causes adult acne, but several dermatologists link adult acne to hormone fluctuations. Acne in a woman is often linked to her menstrual cycle. Women with premenstrual acne outbreaks, such as pimples on the lower face and neck, seem to respond particularly well to treatment with medications that either reduce or block androgen production. You can forgo the androgen blocking hormones by properly consuming essential fatty acids such as those found in salmon and olive oil.

It is important to exfoliate. This helps remove the dead skin cells, to maintain a healthy and glowing skin. A mild cleanser will help exfoliate the face after washing. Scrubbing will also help exfoliate the face, which can be done once or twice a week. This procedure will aid in reducing dead layers skin cells that clog the pores, reason why more pimples or acne.

Topical retinoid acid, a modified form of vitamin A has been a great improvement. Improved versions of this medicine greatly reduce the irritation it can cause. Other acne treatments are sometimes used in combination. Such acne treatments include Azelaic acid cream, Benzoyl peroxide, Alpha-hydroxy acids (such as lactic acid, glycolic acid and gluconic acid), antibiotic pills (of used unwisely, they can lead to antibiotic resistance), topical antibiotics (gels, lotions and solutions), contraceptive pills for women, and Sotret or Accutane for severe acne. Accutane and Sotret have several side effects, including birth defects. Women with severe acne problems that choose these treatments should use alternative birth control.

Unlike the small whitehead pustules that most people with acne experience on the surface of their skin, cystic acne appears as large irritated bumps, often with the pustule hidden deep beneath the skin's surface. These cysts are caused when hormonal shifts result in your skin glands overproducing oil (sebum) at an unnatural rate. The gland becomes swollen and eventually bursts, but not before the sebum has swelled and hardened into a clump too large to escape through your pores. The irritation from your gland bursting results in inflammation, and buried pustule can remain in your skin for a very long time.

In the past, you could only have a peel in the dermatologist’s office. Now there is a home treatment alternative. Esthetician’s Choice is a medical grade peel that you can use in the comfort of your home. The main ingredient is Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) which is considered to be the most effective skin peel product on the market. TCA is a non toxic chemical that has been used by dermatologists for over 30 years to treat acne and other skin conditions.

Are You Suffering From Body Acne?

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Dermatologists normally treat acne but often you can use some homemade recipes to prevent severe acne. You should wash your face at least thrice a day with cold water and a mild cleanser. Using essential oils like lavender, chamomile, calendula, juniper and mint with almond oil on your skin will give effective results. You should also start adding zinc supplements to your diet and avoid caffeine, junk food and salty foods. Other than these homemade recipes, you can also take prescribed medicines that contain benzoyl peroxide, salicyclic acid, sulfur, Azelaic acid, vitamin A, and OTC topical medicines to recover fast from acne.

Individuals that are prone to acne and are being treated for it should use oil free cosmetic products. Benzoyl peroxide and other acne skin care treatment can redden the skin so applying regular cosmetics products might be difficult. Regular cosmetic products usually contain more fatty acids that are harmful to acne prone individuals. Looking for organic and acne skin care products that will match your skin tone can help avoid more infections.

Makeup conceals acne, it doesn't cure it! But you already knew that, right? Using makeup to conceal acne isn't difficult, but there are some basic rules that you should always follow. Your three acne hiding weapons will be a concealer, a foundation and a finishing powder. Stay away from the dollar store and use only brand names that you can trust. Choose only oil-free makeup products that match your skin tone. Oil-free is the key to success here so read the labels carefully. You don't want to aggravate your existing acne problem by layering a fresh coat of oil on skin that already has too much to begin with. Choose a hypoallergenic brand while you're at it.

With the advanced acne treatments and acne products available today, acne need no longer have such a crippling impact on the sufferers' life. Once the outward symptom of acne first becomes apparent, that is, inflammation and lesion on the skin, it is important that you treat it right away so as to slow down or stop further inflammation.

There are many moisturizers available that are specifically designed to help with acne such as Cetaphil, Eucerin, and Neutrogena. Severe acne, or acne that has not responded well to over the counter products, can be successfully treated with the knowledge and expertise of a dermatologist. A dermatologist will consider many things before suggesting treatment. He will perform a thorough evaluation of the patient, considering things such as severity of acne, patient age, lifestyle, and co-existing conditions. The dermatologist then may suggest a combination of two or three different therapies for best treatment.

In general, over-the-counter acne treatments and traditional prescription medications have not proven effective in the reduction and elimination of acne. There are other less traditional ways to approach the treatment of acne. When delving into non-traditional medicine most are dealing with approaches such as acupuncture, herbal medicines, homeopathic medicine, mind/body medicine, Ayurveda and Kampo as well as dietary and nutritional considerations.

Acne Prevention Tips

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If you suffer from acne problems, you’ve probably been given a lot of advice about acne prevention, as well as acne causes. But a lot of these are just old wives’ tales with no scientific facts behind them. Knowing the truth about acne prevention will help you make the right choices.

Chocolate & Fast Foods

You’ve probably heard that eating chocolate will make you get pimples. But in fact science has not proven this to be true at all. Like any foods, consuming too much chocolate is certainly not good for you or your skin, but the occasional chocolate bar is not going to make you break out, especially if you eat nutritious food the rest of the time. Just like with chocolate, your parents has probably cautioned you that french fries are bad for your skin. While fried foods are unhealthy, it’s only when you eat them all the time that it’s going to be a problem, and it’s more likely you’ll gain weight than get acne. Neither fried foods nor chocolate are responsible for acne, and avoiding them, while good for your health, is not particularly useful for acne prevention.

Popping Pimples

Some people believe that popping a zit will help it to clear up faster, but in fact the opposite is true, and often makes them look worse and last longer. Popping your pimples is also likely to cause further problems, such as scarring or infections. Using an acne prevention cream to speed the healing is probably a better idea. There are many kinds of over-the-counter creams available to buy at drugstores or even the grocery store, and you can get stronger ones from your doctor if needed.

So what can you do for acne prevention that really works? Drinking more water is a good start – up to eight cups a day is what your body needs. When your body gets enough moisture from the inside, it’s easier for it to clean itself and for your skin to stay smooth and healthy. And you can help keep your skin clean by washing your face morning and night with an acne prevention face wash. Staying in good health overall will also help, so eat a nutritious diet, and get enough rest and exercise. Not only will you be acne free, but you will feel better, feel more energetic, and enjoy a long and healthy life.

Are You Serious About Getting Rid of Acne?

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There are a number of vitamins and minerals that can be used to improve the look and condition of your skin. The mineral zinc, and vitamins A, C, and E, and B-complex vitamins like vitamin B6 are often used to support acne treatment, as these vitamins are very important for the health of your skin. Eating foods that are rich in sulphur may also be helpful as sulphur helps to cure acne. Garlic and onions both contain a good supply of sulphur. Your health care provider may also recommend that you avoid eating sugar, fried foods, or foods that have a high fat content. Also eliminate any sugar based carbonated beverages.

Oral Tetracycline is one of the most popular oral acne medications. Moderate to severe acne may be treated with an initial dose of 500 to 1000 mg per day in a decreasing dosage as skin condition improvement is noted. This antibiotic is not for pregnant women since it can cause skeletal defects to her unborn child. Children under 8 years are also not advised to be given this medication. Oral Minocycline and Doxycycline are derived from tetracycline. Research shows that these acne medications are more effective than tetracycline. Doxycycline is reported to induce sunlight sensitivity. Both are advised not to be taken by pregnant women. Oral Erythromycin is an acne medication that may be taken as an alternative to tetracycline since it is safer for pregnant women and young children.

Organic Apple Cider Vinegar swabs and other astringent cleansers work to remove the oil buildup that may become blocked in the skin's glands. These products may cause dryness, itching, and redness, so be sure to use them only on problem areas.

There are a number of home remedies that can be applied toward acne treatment. By avoiding contact or a disturbance to the acne prone area, individuals will lessen the chance of infection or added redness. In addition, washing the face both morning and night may help to ease the presence of acne. Exfoliation products may also help to rid the skins surface of bacteria and dead skin cells, both of which may cause acne or clogged pores. A quality exfoliation product will reveal the healthy skin cells and rid the face of the old ones.

Some prescription topical medicines are also effective acne treatments. They include antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide, adapalene and tretinoin. These acne treatments help stunt the growth of bacteria and reduce inflammation. Depending on the skin type of the person, a doctor will prescribe the appropriate effective acne treatment. For instance, if one is with an oily skin, creams and lotions will not be advised since they are oil-based medications. Gels and solutions will suit more the oily skin since they are usually alcohol-based and tend to dry the skin. These medications are often subject to testing first before one could really consider them as effective acne treatments for their skin problem. As a case-by-case basis, side effects from topical medicines may surface. These side effects may include rashes, stinging, redness, burning, scaling and discoloration.

There are many medicines and cream that are used to fight acne. But so far, maintains a healthy lifestyle is the easiest way to go. It is important to say that by leading a healthy lifestyle, you will not only get healthier skin, but also a healthier body. Changing habits will be hard at first, but in the long run you will have a better general health, and more energy, and clearer, healthier skin.

At Home Microdermabrasion: 4 Tips to Make This Acne Scar Removal Treatment More Effective

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Over the counter microdermabrasion kits serve as an ideal way to approach do it yourself acne scar correction. And with four scientifically sound tweaks to your current dermabrasion regime, you can transform this skin treatment into a world-class spa experience with striking results.

1. Prep the skin with proper cleansers

Effective dermabrasion treatments remove the upper layers of the damaged and dead skin cells. However, after a normal day, dead skin cells, oils, and cellular waste create a sticky, protective barrier called "stratum corneum" on the upper layers of the skin. This dermal shield can downgrade the actions of a derma-scrub.

Before applying a dermabrasion treatment, use witch hazel to safely and effectively remove this collective debris from the skin. Cleanse your face with a warm wash cloth and pat dry. Next saturate a cotton ball with witch hazel and smooth the cotton ball over the face for at least 60 seconds.

Alternately, Daniel M. Siegel, M.D.of State University of New York Downstate Medical Center suggests prepping the skin with a soap containing lava ash such as Lava (available for under $5US in most drug stores). Dr. Siegel explained to Skin and Allergy News that Lava soap removes part of the stratum corneum.

2.Use the correct pressure and pull the skin taut

How you apply a microdermabrasion treatment to the skin readily determines how spectacular your results will look. For example, a study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that applying negative pressure to the skin activated key genes that help grow new, blemish free skin.

Similarly, delicately pulling the skin taut when applying a microdermabrasion application increases the amount of skin surface area treated, while allowing you to more deeply penetrate the skin and thereby remove more damaged layers.

3.Use smooth circular motions

As you tenderly pull your skin taut and apply the right amount of pressure to your skin, smooth on the dermabrasion product in circular motions with a diameter of about an inch and a half or the size of a strawberry. These small motions will help you more evenly apply the dermabrasion treatment so that the therapy is uniform, and creates an even skin tone and texture.

4. Apply a deep penetrating moisturizer that contains aloe vera or hyaluronic acid

After rinsing off the microdermabrasion treatment, you have removed part of your guardian stratum corneum, exposed young skin cells and essentially created a mini-wound on the skin. Now time it's to help your skin protect itself again by applying a moisturizer that contains aloe vera or hyaluronic acid.

Aloe vera cools the skin and helps calm inflammation so that you can enjoy skin renewal faster. Likewise, hyaluronic acid (hyaluronan) comprises the skin and facilitates the wound healing process. In the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, researchers reported that applying a moisturizer containing hyaluronan after dermabrasion helped improve skin healing.

There you have it, four ways to make the most of your time and money while applying an at home dermabrasion treatment.

Dealing With Acne Can Be Embarassing At Any Age

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When using acne solutions, make sure that you follow the directions. Overuse of the product can cause as many problems as under use of the product. Follow the directions to the letter, unless your doctor or dermatologist advises otherwise. The best acne solutions will contain both topical treatment, as well as oral treatment. Acne starts on the inside of the body, but it is prevented and healed on both the inside and outside of the body.

Other ingredients you may see in acne medications include resorcinol and sulphur. Resorcinol causes the top layer of skin to peel -- including the dead skin cells which clog the pores. It is often combined with sulphur. It is not known how sulphur affects acne conditions, but it has been used effectively for more than 50 years. Sulphur is often combined with other ingredients besides resorcinol like salicylate acid and benzoyl peroxide. It is not usually used by itself because of its strong, unpleasant odor.

Organic Apple Cider Vinegar swabs and other astringent cleansers work to remove the oil buildup that may become blocked in the skin's glands. These products may cause dryness, itching, and redness, so be sure to use them only on problem areas.

On the other hand, there are many popular myths and delusions about what causes acne. Acne does not occur as a result of stress, or of eating chocolate and greasy food. Also, acne is not an infectious disease, i.e. it cannot be transmitted by touch or through a sexual intercourse (like Chlamydia which is also a skin disease but is transmitted sexually).

Unlike the small whitehead pustules that most people with acne experience on the surface of their skin, cystic acne appears as large irritated bumps, often with the pustule hidden deep beneath the skin's surface. These cysts are caused when hormonal shifts result in your skin glands overproducing oil (sebum) at an unnatural rate. The gland becomes swollen and eventually bursts, but not before the sebum has swelled and hardened into a clump too large to escape through your pores. The irritation from your gland bursting results in inflammation, and buried pustule can remain in your skin for a very long time.

The skin is the largest organ in our body and it eliminates toxic body waste through the pores when we sweat. If the body has more toxins than the liver or kidneys can discharge the skin takes over. Many doctors actually refer to the skin as the third kidney. When toxins discharge through the skin they can cause a disruption in the healthy skin and you have pimples.

Is Acne Caused By Poor Hygiene?

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Some cosmetics irritate the skin and can cause acne by plugging up your pores on your face. The cosmetics chemicals that can cause you the most skin and pore irritation and inflammation are: mineral oil, lanolin, parabens, propylene, and glycol Look at the label of the cosmetics you use. You will find that many cosmetics, soaps, and sunscreens contain these chemicals. Find a water base make up, not an oil base. Find one that does not irritate your face and use it sparingly.

Acne is a severe skin disease that affects millions of people. It can lead to depression, leave you with a low self-esteem, and keep you from doing things you want to do. If you currently have acne, it`s not the end of the world. You need to sit down and think what you are going to do to fight. You need to take one day at a time and not get upset when you`re not seeing the results you want right away. You also shouldn`t pick at them either because picking at them can make the clearing process take longer and can even leave scars when you`re older.

When your pimple breakouts occur, if you notice you're getting an increase in blackheads and whiteheads in combination to excess blemishes, try to think back and remember how your skin has been in the past. If your skin was clear due to good eating habits, low stress levels, and you were getting at least 8 hours or more of sleep prior to getting your adult acne, then that's the first place you want to start.

Hormones during later years, especially for women, can play a role in acne cure and prevention for teen years. For adults oral contraceptives or hormonal birth control pills may be helpful for women, combined with systemic or current treatments, prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Among popular alpha hydroxyl acids, glycolic acid is one of the most commonly used. It has similar results with a chemical peel. Even when used in strong concentrations, glycolic acid has only few negative side effects. Long-term day to day use may also have a beneficial effect on acne scars. Glycolic acid is also effective in increasing skin resistance to ultraviolet light, improving moisture retention, as well as the general skin condition. However, even though it is quite effective and has only minor side effects, it is better to use as part of a more complex skin care system.

Getting regular exercise can also help prevent acne. When we exercise, we are increasing the blood flow to our skin, and providing more oxygen to our skin cells. Sweating moderately also cleans our skin pores from the inside out, also aiding in the prevention of acne. Regular exercise and moderate sweating are excellent ways of helping to prevent acne, but taking a shower immediately afterwards is very important.

Acne Alternative Treatments - 3 Dreadful Secrets of Acne Alternative Treatments

2008-10-15T10:12:00.000+05:30

Let's face the facts. I am sure most of you have tried at least one acne alternative treatment like acutance or proactive or any other tropical ointment that promises you to get rid of acne in the least time possible.

Even today evening I just saw an ad showing a cream that will make your zits vanish in 7 hours! When are industrialists going to realize that it is high time they stop playing with people's lives for money?

Don't you understand what is going on? Let me show you 4 reasons why you should not go for any expensive and rapid claiming acne alternative treatments.

Reason Number 1

Acne is a simple a signal your body is screaming out to you with a note that you are suffering from a much deeper internal problem.

So I am sure you understand that just because you made your acne vanish with some expensive acne alternative treatment like Accutane, it does not mean you have solved the internal problem inside you that still persists!

Now what can acne alternative treatments do about the internal problem? You spent your hard earned money on it right? What happened?

Reason Number 2

Acne has been evolving from generation to generation for a very long time. Let me ask you a question.

What was the acne alternative treatment at a time when people used to walk from one place to another? In other words, what was the acne alternative treatment during the age where technology was not in the dictionary?

They probably had a better alternative treatment for their acne. They used to get rid of their acne in a more natural manner with controlled diets and useful medicines made in their own kitchen!

Reason Number 3

How permanent do you think are your results with the consumption of acne alternative treatments?

Yes, your acne may be gone for a few months, but are you sure they won't come back?

Like I told you before, acne is simply a signaling system to a much deeper internal problem. The more worse your acne gets, the more the internal problems is getting worse, and no acne alternative treatment has yet promised that so far..

How many of you actually watch an animation movie called osmosis Jones?

I recommend you do that. It gives an inside look at how your body works, and it is a real comedy. You will enjoy it.

There you go I gave you three reasons why you should not go for an acne alternative treatment.

It is always recommended you go for the natural path to curing your acne. If there is an alternative acne treatment that promises you to get rid of acne by solving your internal problems, I would be the first to find out how it works and recommend it to you if it works fine.

Like I said, there is no better acne alternative treatment than your own self.

Acne Scars: Discover the Best Way to Remove Your Acne Marks in 5 Simple Steps

2008-10-15T00:30:00.000+05:30

You enjoy a world of customization. You can customize your hair color, manicure type, vehicle, health care plan and most certainly, your acne scar removal regime. But before you take one step in customizing anything- you plan. When it comes to getting rid of acne marks, you can plan to delete traces of your former acne affliction in five time and money saving steps.

Step 1: Define your acne scarring situation

Measuring improvements require that you first assess your scarring situation. To find your ideal acne scar correcting product, you need to clearly define the type(s) of cicatrices you wish to reduce.

Types of acne scarring include:

Hyperpigmented spots- round, flat, darkened spots that remain after an acne lesion heals. In some instances, darkened acne spots can fade on their on in 2-12 months.

Pock marks, ice-pick scars- these scars are indentations in the skin that result from loss of skin and fat tissue that occurred during the formation and healing of inflamed acne pustules or cysts.

Rolling acne scarring- stretched pores and the roughened skin texture that results from extended periods of moderate to severe acne.

sentence 7 Hypertrophic scars- circular, raised scar tissue that results from excess collagen growth during the acne lesion healing process. This is generally the least common form of acne scarring.

Step 2: Decide what changes you would like to see in your skin

If you have acne scarring, you most likely want your skin to look as if you never had acne. That's understandable. To make this scar disappearing act happen, you first need to precisely determine what changes you want to see with your scarring. For example, you may want to fade dark spots, and smooth away indented pock marks and ice-pick scars.

Step 3: Determine your budget and time commitment to improving your skin

You have numerous cosmetic and medicinal options for correcting acne scars. However, before dipping into your wallet, you want to ensure that One: You devised a budget to fully fund your scar removal method and Two: You have the time it will require to successfully benefit from your chosen scar removal methods.

To illustrate, lets say that you wanted to soften a hypertrophic acne scar. Your scar removal budget is $500US and time commitment is two months. With these figures, you could witness improvements in your raised scar by receiving two-20 minute- flashlamp-pumped pulsed dye laser (PDL) treatments within two months.

Conversely, if your scar removal budget was $50 and you had about 2-5 months to see improvements in this hypertrophic scar, you could use a $19 silicon or polyurethane patch. You usually need to wear these patches daily for 12 hours and each patch costs roughly a dollar. This brings the costs for your silicon patch based hypertrophic scar removal to about $60-$150US for two to five months of daily treatment.

Step 4: Match the acne scar removal treatment to your specific scar type

Not all scar removal treatments perform the same job. For instance, the silicon patch may fabulously flatten hypertrophic tissue, but could aggravate rolling acne scars. Similarly, while a deep chemical peel can reduce the depth of pock mocks, the same peel may have no effect on raised scarring. Here's a basic guideline for matching acne scars with the ideal acne scar removal treatment.

Hyperpigmented spots- chemical peels, skin lighteners, intense pulsed light treatments

Pock marks, ice-pick scars- dermabrasion treatments, deep chemical peels, advanced laser treatments administered by a trained professional.

Rolling acne scarring- chemical peels, skin tightening laser treatments

Hypertrophic scars- laser treatments, silicon patches, scar creams

Step 5: Consistent product usage

Once you've done steps one through four, all you need to do now is use the acne scar removal products and/or treatments consistently and as directed until your see optimal changes in your skin.

While having a "plan" for changing your skin may seem awkward, chances are this simple guideline will help remove doubts about freeing yourself of acne scars while saving yourself precious time and money. Also, a report in the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology reported that having a regime while performing popular acne scar removal treatments like alpha hydroxy peels enhanced patient compliance and peel results. Why not treat yourself to an acne scar reducing plan.

The Inside Story Of Acne Cleansers - 2

2008-10-14T06:54:00.002+05:30

In the first part of this article, we found out about the qualities of an acne cleanser and the meaning of hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic products. In this part we will find out about the active ingredients that are used in acne cleansers.

First of all, let us find out why acne cleansers are called so? How are they different to other cleansers? There is not much difference between an acne cleanser and an ordinary cleanser. Both clean the skin. It may be called a marketing strategy to call them acne cleansers. Many companies have begun adding active ingredients that fight acne to the acne cleanser. The common products that are added are- Salicylic acid, Glycolic acid and Benzoyl Peroxide.

It is important to know that either these added ingredients will get washed away with the cleanser or they will remain on the skin. The effectiveness of these added ingredients to acne cleansers is debatable. Let us learn more about the ingredients that are commonly added.

Salicylic acid-

Salicylic acid is a Beta Hydroxy acid. Salicylic acid softens the keratin, which is the primary protein that forms skin, hair and nails. By breaking down keratin, salicylic acid makes it easy to remove unwanted skin cells. It is used in very small quantities to acne cleansers and may cause irritation to some people.

Glycolic Acid-

Glycolic Acid is one of the most commonly used Alpha Hydroxy Acids in skin care. It is derived naturally from sugarcane juice. Glycolic acid has a very low molecular size. The low molecular size allows glycolic acid to penetrate skin faster. The dead skin cells that bind with the skin are removed by glycolic acid by loosening the glue that sticks the dead cells with the skin. As the glue loosens, the dead cells exfoliate giving a cleaner look to the skin. Shedding dead cells faster also allows growth of new cells. This acid also helps in treatment of blackheads and dries out the excess surface oil on the skin. It is thought that glycolic acids stimulate collagen production to some extent. This acid also keeps the skin moisturized by keeping water bound to the skin and prevents drying of skin. It can also bleach some spots on the skin. One added advantage of glycolic acid is that it helps other skin care ingredients reach deeper in the skin and makes them more effective.

Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl Peroxide is commonly used for treatment of acne. Benzoyl Peroxide removes excess oil, unclogs the closed pores, and kills the bacteria. Benzoyl Peroxide may irritate the skin.

Before you decide to use any acne cleanser, which is added with any of these ingredients, you should note that you would be applying your acne medication after cleansing the skin. Your acne treatment may contain one of these ingredients. You should also note that most of the active ingredient would be in contact with your skin till the acne cleanser is washed away.

This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.

The Inside Story Of Acne Cleansers - 1

2008-10-14T06:54:00.001+05:30

Acne cleanser is used to prepare the skin before application of topical acne treatment- a cream, gel or a lotion. Ideally any acne cleanser should remove all the surface oils, dirt and any other impurity from the skin. Once the skin is clean the medication becomes more effective because there is no barrier between the medicine and the skin cells. Let us look at the common acne cleansers available and find out what you should be looking for.

Look for a gentle cleanser. It should be non-irritating and acid balanced. The cleanser should be non comedogenic and hypoallergenic. Let me explain these terms in detail.

Hypoallergenic-

Any product that does not cause allergy by use is called a hypoallergenic product. By reading the word hypoallergenic on any product, most people believe that it will not cause any allergy in them. But this may not be true. Manufacturers are not required to substantiate their claim that their product is hypoallergenic. The use of this term by a reputed company may mean that a product labeled as hypoallergenic has less chances of causing allergy in most of the consumers. You have to use a product and find out if it causes any allergy. Use products marked as hypoallergenic, etc., with caution because the results may be interpreted by a company in its favor to sell more products by luring consumers. Still a product marked hypoallergenic is better than a product that is not marked so.

Non comedogenic-

You might have observed that when you begin applying a particular product for some time, you begin getting comedones- whiteheads and blackheads. Any ingredient that can cause comedones is called comedogenic. Any product that does not cause comedones is called non-comedogenic.

To find out if any material is comedogenic, it is usually tested on the insides of a rabbit’s ear. After three weeks, the area of application is observed and a small biopsy is done. The numbers of comedones are counted and the material tested is labeled as comedogenic on a scale of 0 to 5. The material that causes no comedogenicity is labeled 0 and the highest comedogenic product is labeled as 5.

This test is carried out on individual materials, for example - mineral oil, or calendula or cetyl alcohol, etc. Every product that is to be used on the body can be tested in this manner and labeled. When you use a product for application on your body, you will find that most of the formulated products contain more than one ingredient. Such products are labeled as comedogenic, if any comedogenic ingredient is used in it. If a product is labeled as non-comedogenic, it is not supposed to contain any comedogenic material in it.

All of us are different and our body reacts differently to every material. Some of us may not have any comedones, even if we use a comedogenic product. Similarly, some of us may get comedones by using the safest of products. It is like asking - why I don't get any acne, whereas my friend of same age cannot get rid of it? While using any product, read and note if it is labeled as non-comedogenic.

In the next part of this article we will find out more about the active ingredients that are formulated with acne cleansers.

This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.

Acne Scar Treatment

2008-10-14T06:51:00.000+05:30

Normally as the acne begins to heal whilst being treated it will often leave some sort of spot on the skin which usually fades after a period of time. In fact in some cases it can take up to a year before it has faded completely and disappears. Yet for some people they find that it does not disappear within the year and they are then left with scarring. However there are a number of different acne scars treatments available to use in order to treat the condition.

In this article I will take a look at some of the methods that have proved to be fairly effective in treating this particular problem.

1. Retin A

This form of treatment should only be used after talking with a doctor as there are a number of side effects associated with it. However it has been proved to be extremely beneficial in treating not just scarring but skin conditions as well.

2. Mederma

This is a topical medication and is believed to be effective in helping to heal the scars associated with acne. There is a website that the manufacturers of this product have set up where you can learn more comprehensive data about this particular product if you so wish.

3. Copper Peptides

In recent years these have begun to gain widespread popularity as the modern way for treating acne scars. The properties of the copper peptides help to improve the skins elasticity as well as firm it up. Plus it helps to neutralize those free radicals which can cause damage to your skin as it contains anti-oxidant properties.

When choosing an acne scar treatment medication or program, you should first ascertain which products is best suited to you. You should discuss this matter with your doctor or dermatologist first. As there are so many products now available for a person to use in order to treat acne scars carrying out some research first will help to find out just how efficient each one is before you start any treatment.

Natural Skin Care Treament For Acne

2008-10-14T06:46:00.000+05:30

How To Smooth Out Acne's Bumpy Road

A natural skin care for treatment for acne will always treat the body first, main stream medicine and over the counter treatments for acne always treat the symptom as the cause, which is wrong.

Acne appears on the skin and it is a natural reaction to want to treat it there. But consider for a moment how did I get acne? Acne did not originate on your skin, so would it not make sense to treat the cause. Acne will occur in most cases with hormone disruption. If you want to get rid of acne the best place to start is from the inside out.

The skin is a mirror image of the internal health of your body.Acne and other skin disorders is an outward sign of stressed systems within the body. There are many conditions which can contribute to acne formation. Herdity and family history of acne is often suspected as a contibutor to acne. The probability of developing acne is higher but that doesn't mean that acne will develop. Heridty is not a major factor.

Acne can occur during puberty when sex hormones (androgen) in boys and (estrogen) in girls upsets the normal function of the sebacious glands.Too much oil is produced and combined with dead skin cells which become trapped in the foliclles, allow bacteria and infection to develop. The result is acne or other skin disorders.

Adult acne can be from many sources as well.

stress (emotional and metabolic)
In women, hormone regulators
drugs
poor diet
sleep disorders
toxic bowel and parasites

The most common cause of hormone disruption other than puberty is toxemia of the bowel. Candida is also a serious contributor to toxemia and hormone disruption.

High emotional stress is very destructive to the entire body, and can upset normal hormone balance of the entire body, including the skin.If you have high stress levels no treatment will be effective in the control of acne, no matter what the cause, so try your best to understand your stress and get it under control.

A Simple 3 Step Natural Skin Treatment For Acne

Acne sufferers will benefit greatly from a complete detox program including eliminating accumlated fecal matter in the bowel. Toxic stress of the bowel is a very common cause of many skin disorders. The cleaner the blood, the cleaner the body, the more skin conditions will improve.

Improving the diet by including lots of raw greens, fruits and vegetables, jucing is best as the body can assimulate and digest liquids much easier and faster than eating raw fruits and vegetables whole. There is a wide variety of books and recipes on jucing with many excellent and delicious recipes.

Reducing or eliminating refined sugar, white flour products, hydrogenated oils and saturated animal fats is a definite plus not only to help clear acne but make major improvements to your health as well.

After a cleanse and improvement to the diet you are giving your body back the ability to heal. For your skin pure organic skin care products that feed nutrients to the skin will help in the healing process of existing damage that much faster.

Getting acne under control without harmful drugs using a simple 3 step natural skin care treatment for acne, get results that are long lasting

New Acne Medicine: The acne drugs, creams and therapies that could be coming to a shelf near you

2008-10-14T06:45:00.000+05:30

My first encounter with acne medicine, if you will, happened when I was twelve. My grandma just spotted a huge, swollen bubble of a zit on my cheek. Ached by the sight of my massive facial growth, grandma gestured me over to her medicine cabinet and pleaded, "Put some turpentine on that soar to suck that poison out". And use that backwoods prescription I did.

Not all zit tales end in such swift bliss.

Many people tormented by pimples find no reprieve with trusted pustule terminators like benzoyl peroxide or antibiotics. And so researchers toil away in labs and challenge the stamina of pimple prone skin with yet another acne preventative. However, this summer, the entourage of novel acne therapies could make blemishes retreat from the skin.

Reduced dosage isotretinoin

For starters, doctors may soon prescribe the acne drug typically reserved for the most severe cases of cystic or nodular acne, isotretinoin, for mild to moderate cases of acne. Just this past June, a study published in the Expert Review of Dermatology found that an intermittent, low-dose regimen of isotretinoin could mitigate potentially caustic side effects of isotretinoin, like liver damage and extreme skin dryness, while still effectively controlling acne.

Bio-identical acne preventing agents

While isotretinoin effects acne control by reducing facial oil secretion and bacterial counts, a recently patented bio-product called phytosphingosine (PS) may combat pimples by mitigating pain inducing inflammation.

Phytosphingosine (PS) is a fat that exists in upper layers of the skin called the the stratum corneum. According to a report in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science, a skin-identical version of phytosphingosine exhibited antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties in the skin. Researchers suspect that this new anti-acne fat may soon complement topical pimple treatments.

Less menacing contraceptives

If such fat laden topical acne creams prove insufficient to tame blossoming blemishes, woman can bolster their skin care regime with contraceptives. And with the arrival of a new hormonal agent called drospirenone, women may enjoy less pimples and a more pleasant period.

Doctors may prescribe an oral contraceptive blend of spirolactone and ethinyl estradiol to female acne patients over age 35.

Similar to spironolactone, drospirenone helps prevent acne by reducing androgenic hormonal activity like excess facial oil production. Yet when drospirenone displaces spirolactone in such contraceptives, women experience better acne control and less menstrual weight gain and pain, while enjoying the same level efficacious birth control.

While I don't foresee pine derivative like turpentine stealing the acne controlling spot light from isotretinoin, phytosphingosine, or birth control pills, I do predict that in a generation from now, the multifaceted causes and contributors to acne lesions will continue to baffle scientists and continue to crowd our cabinets with test-worthy acne antidotes. In the mean time, "Thank you grandma."

Men's Acne Facts versus Fiction

2008-10-14T06:44:00.001+05:30

MenScience gives the inside scoop on myths and facts about men’s acne and acne treatments. How much do you really know about breakouts? Take our quiz and see for yourself!

1. Popping acne pimples makes them go away faster.

* True
* False

2. You should wash your face several times a day if you have acne.

* True
* False

3. Eating greasy or oily foods causes acne.

* True
* False

4. Tanning clears up acne in men’s skin.

* True
* False

5. Where you work can affect your skin and cause acne.

* True
* False

6. Benzoyl Peroxide is the most effective ingredient for acne treatment.

* True
* False

7. Glycolic and Salicylic Acids are effective against acne.

* True
* False

8. If an acne medication causes your skin to get worse, you should stop using the acne product.

* True
* False

9. It takes 28 days for new cells to appear on the surface of men’s skin.

* True
* False

10. Acne-prone men should use noncomedogenic products.

* True
* False

11. Perspiration cleanses skin.

* True
* False

12. Teenagers (not real men) get acne.

* True
* False

13. Only men with oily skin get acne.

* True
* False

14. Acne is caused by bacteria.

* True
* False

15. Using a face scrub can control acne.

* True
* False

16. Acne is no big deal.

* True
* False

ANSWER KEY:
1. FALSE: Popping pimples may seem to reduce their size, but it can actually aggravate blemishes by spreading bacteria, causing them to take longer to heal. Not only that, but popping or picking at pimples causes scars and dark spots to form.

2. FALSE: It’s important to have a clean face, but washing your face with force several times a day can cause your skin to produce more oil to make up for the moisture being washed away. Not to mention skin will become red and irritated. Your best bet is to wash once or twice a day with a gentle liquid cleanser that contains Salicylic Acid and Tea Tree extract.

3. FALSE: Pizza, chocolate and junk food have long been labeled “acne magnets,” but there’s very little scientific evidence to back up this claim. However, men should aim to eat a balanced diet full of vitamins from fruits and vegetables, and drink a lot of water for overall well-being.

4. FALSE: When you tan, dead cells build up on your skin’s surface. This can often cause your pores to look tighter and the surface to look smoother. Tanning also masks redness caused by acne. However, once the tan disappears, you’ll be left with greater outbreaks and darker acne scars and marks. Protect skin exposed to direct sunlight by regularly applying sunscreen (especially if using a treatment containing Benzoyl Peroxide).

5. TRUE: Men who work in places that put them in constant contact with grease and oil (restaurants and garages, for example) may find themselves breaking out more because oil creates an ideal environment for bacteria to reproduce. Although there’s no simple way to rectify this, they should clean skin gently at least twice a day and try to keep their hands from their faces at all times.

6. TRUE: Benzoyl Peroxide is an antibacterial ingredient prescribed by dermatologists as the preferred topical medicine for safe treatment for acne. It clears acne-causing bacteria on the surface, absorbs excessive oils and clear pores, while promoting greater cell exfoliation and renewal. Doctors also prescribe Green Tea, Urea and Allantoin to help soothe acne-irritated skin. Because Benzoyl Peroxide has powerful antibacterial and exfoliating qualities, it may take some time for skin to get used to the treatment. Once skin has become accustomed to the treatment however, irritation, redness or dryness usually disappears. The best bet is to apply a small amount only once a day, and then increase frequency gradually over 5 – 6 days. If too much dryness occurs, decrease frequency and gradually increase again.

7. TRUE: Glycolic and Salicylic Acids work very effectively to exfoliate dead skin cells and clear pores. By reducing pore blockage, acne has less of a chance to form and breakouts are reduced. Exfoliation with gentle products that contain Glycolic and Salicylic Acids helps smooth and clean skin, while also reducing instances of ingrown hairs as well.

8. FALSE: During acne treatment, skin often seems to take a turn for the worse before it begins getting better. This is due in part to the need to become accustomed to a treatment and the exfoliating process of shedding dead skin cells. The important thing is to keep usage regular. If, however, skin remains irritated for a long period of time, stop acne treatment and consult a doctor.

9. TRUE: It takes new cells 28 days to form and move through the epidermal layer of skin to finally appear on the surface. This is why results are not always immediately apparent. Using a product with Glycolic Acid may accelerate this process and help clear away dead skin cells.

10. TRUE: Noncomedogenic means ingredients in the product do not clog pores or provoke acne. Although it’s definitely recommended for men with oily skin, you should use non-irritating, noncomedogenic products no matter what skin type you have. All MenScience products have been developed by doctors and are noncomedogenic.

11. FALSE: Perspiration helps flush toxins from the body and maintains body temperature, but it does not cleanse skin at all. In fact, leaving sweat on your body can actually cause acne breakouts. Because of this, remember to take a shower or wash your face immediately after sweating heavily with a gentle cleanser several times a day.

12. FALSE: If only this were true! While acne outbreaks are often strongest during teen years (due to hormonal imbalances and improper skincare), acne can affect men their entire lives. Good skin health needs to be regularly maintained to avoid falling prey to blemishes.

13. FALSE: Acne can affect guys with any skin type, from dry to combination and even normal. Men with oily skin might be more susceptible to outbreaks, but they are by no means alone.

14. TRUE: Bacteria (P. acnes) play a big part in the creation of acne. Once a skin pore becomes clogged, acne bacteria begin to grow, causing blemishes to form. Benzoyl Peroxide is the most effective treatment for acne because it introduces oxygen into the bacteria, which kills it.

15. TRUE: Using a gentle exfoliating face scrub that contains Salicylic and Glycolic Acids can help clear pores of dirt and blockage, cutting down on the instances of acne. However, do not use a scrub if your acne is severe; it could aggravate your skin further.

16. TRUE….and FALSE: Acne is a painful, annoying condition, but it doesn’t need to negatively affect your lifestyle. While healthy skin is something we should all aim for, an occasional pimple or breakout is nothing to freak out about and can be treated with the right acne products. Remember: almost everyone is affected by acne. By using the most effective acne products and skincare techniques, there’s nothing to stop you from attaining a clear, healthy complexion.

SCORING:

13-16 Answers Correct: Acne Expert

9-12 Answers Correct: Good job! Add to your acne know-how with more tips.

5-8 Answers Correct: Knowledgeable, but check out our articles for more info.

0-4 Answers Correct: Needs work. Discover how to treat acne with our expert advice.

Acne Scars: How to find the best dermal filler to correct deep acne scarring

2008-10-14T00:16:00.002+05:30

Softening deep acne scars resulting from severe bouts of cystic or nodular lesions requires a well thought out cosmetic corrective plan. And according to reports in Dermatologic Surgery, popularized scar removal options like laser resurfacing may not satisfactorily smooth away deep acne scars. Yet, patients can readily witness scar depth reductions in indented acne scaring using aesthetic therapies such as dermal fillers.

Silicon based dermal fillers

In a 30-year perspective study of using dermal fillers to correct acne scars, doctors Jay Barnett and Channing Barnett deemed medical-grade liquid silicone the only filler substance that permanently and precisely corrects acne scars. During their investigation, the researchers reviewed the lives of five patients with a history of acne scarring. Each patient showed improvements from injections of liquid silicone at the initial treatment session and at 10-, 15-, and 30-year follow-up sessions.

Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers

Even though silicon based dermal fillers work, heavily marketed fillers made of hyaluronic acid also present a potential deep acne scarring corrective. While the results from dermal fillers can prove pleasantly dramatic, in the case of hyaluronic acid, the enhancements may only last six months. Moreover, most Food and Drug Administration approved dermal fillers like Perlane have only been tested on and prescribed for correction of nasal labial folds, not acne scars that can arise on multiple areas of the face.

Calcium-based dermal fillers

In a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, investigators tested a dermal filler composed of calcium hydroxylapatite to treat acne scars. Researchers used the filler to correct both round or saucerized acne scars, and deep acne scars with a sharp triangular shaped called "ice-pick" scars. After administering the dermal filler to ten patients with various types of acne scarring, the investigators found that only saucerized acne scars responded well to the treatment. Scar improvements lasted up to twelve months in some volunteers.

How to select a dermal filler

While dermal fillers offer dazzling results, they aren't cheap. And typically, the longer the filler lasts, the more expensive the treatment. Dermal injections can run from $300 to $2000 for treated area so plan to spend smartly. Moreover, a dermal injection is only as aesthetically beautiful as the professional delivering the shot.

When seeking a dermal injection, seek a professional possessing experience with correcting deep acne scars with dermal fillers. Finally, when using a dermal injection, make certain that you have your acne outbreaks under control because dermal injections are contraindicated for facial areas experiencing pain or inflammation, including pimples.

What Is Acne Rosacea?

2008-10-14T00:16:00.001+05:30

What is acne rosacea? Well it is not acne. The symptoms of acne and acne rosacea overlap, but they are distinct skin conditions... Acne rosacea affects the facial area and is most common in fair skinned women between the ages of 30 and 60. When men are affected by this skin disorder their symptoms are often particularly severe. Acne rosacea cannot be cured but the disease can be treated and controlled with the help of a dermatologist.

The early stages of acne rosacea are characterized by frequent reddening of the facial area. It is suspected that individuals who blush frequently are more susceptible to developing acne rosacea. If you have a history of frequent blushing, it may be difficult to distinguish between a normal blush and the beginnings of this skin disorder, since the redness of acne rosacea is intermittent in the early stages of the disease. If your blushing skin burns when you apply lotions or your face is swollen, you may be experiencing the early symptoms of acne rosacea. If you experience these symptoms and do not have a history of frequent blushing, you may need to seek acne rosacea treatment.

As the disease progresses the face become ruddier and is discolored more frequently. Small red solid bumps may begin to appear on the skin of the face. Visible blood vessels and pimples will also appear. Blackheads, a normal symptom of acne, do not appear with the pimples of an acne rosacea sufferer. In severe cases of this disease the skin of the face may thicken and the nose may become bulbous.

The eyes of fifty percent of acne rosacea suffers are affected by this disease. The eyelids become inflamed, and the eyes are red and irritated. Tearing and frequent sty’s are common when acne rosacea affect the eye area. In severe cases loss of vision may occur. When the eyes become infected, the treatment plan includes oral antibiotics and a strict eye cleansing routine. Steroid eye drops may also be prescribed.

There is no cure for this skin disorder but acne rosacea treatment includes topical antibiotics to reduce the skin inflammation and pimples. Other forms of acne rosacea treatment include oral antibiotics and long term topical therapy to keep outbreaks under control. Most doctors also realize acne rosacea treatment should also include assessment for depression since this disease is disfiguring and embarrassing to it’s’ victims.

Aggressive acne rosacea treatment also includes the use of lasers to remove visible blood vessels and reduce redness. Surgery may be indicated in cases where the nose has become disfigured.

Once diagnosed with acne rosacea, it is important to follow an acne rosacea skin care routine. Mild, non abrasive cleansers are recommended. The acne rosacea patient should not use rough cloths or extremely hot or cold water on their faces. Lukewarm water and soft cotton towels are the best options for acne rosacea skin care. Constant use of sun block, (SPF 15 or higher) should be used daily. Make up can be part of an acne rosacea skin care routine, if it does not further irritate the skin.

Currently there is research being conducted on this skin disorder. As the population ages, an increase in acne rosacea is expected. While there is no cure today, research may develop a cure tomorrow.

What You Should Comprehend About Adult Acne Control

2008-10-14T00:15:00.000+05:30

Acne treatment can sometime turns into a sort of routine maintenance, as new spots will continue to appear, leaving the teenager without a clear complexion.Get yourself an over the counter acne treatment product that has some sort of anti bacterial properties and try it out. You may be surprise with the result you get. Try these product out first and if these does not seem to have any effect on the acne, ask the pharmacist for a milder sort of treatment. When applying these product ensure the you cover all the surrounding area too and just the spot.

More and more people are affected by acne and it is now not just a common problem suffered exclusively to teenagers.Adolescent boys and girls can suffer severe psychological effects from even mild cases of acne. Acne problem takes months to completely recover and for the duration of the time you will have to live with it whether you like it or not. Perseverance and patience will definitely get what you wanted � an acne clear face. Never stop your treatment and keep it going as this is the only way to clear your acne.

Excess oil and sometimes traces of sweat from the surface of the skin is what cleanser does and this to some extent may prevent the appearance of the much dreaded acne monster.When using topical acne treatment, cleanser allows the skin to be more readily absorb the treatment and making it more effective. There are many type of treatment for acne and one of them is the topical acne treatment which is applied directly applied on the acne itself. When using a cleanser, don�t over use it as it can cause skin irritation due to the dryness effect. It is not recommend to use facial cleanser more than two times per day and for a good reason too.

Sex hormones fluctuation and increase in the body can cause the sebaceous glands in the skin to over produce oil.The hair follicle is the place that all the sebum are produced by the skin. In the event of the overproduction of the top layer of skin, the pores leading to the sebaceous glands may become blocked with plugs of keratin. Large quantity of sebum provides a fertile ground for bacteria to breed and mutiply. You�ll notice the surrounding area will begin to inflame, while the blood vessels expand to allow more infection-fighting cells to the blocked pore.Pus is the by product of the event that has occurred.

The first thing people thought of as the cause of acne is usually hormone level which occurs during adolescent. Hormone fluctuation can also occur during adulthood where the hormone androgen will cause hair follicle clogging and inadvertently cause acne breakouts.

Heal Acne in Nature This Summer Without Cancer Fears

2008-10-14T00:14:00.000+05:30

For once, some good news for sun worshipers. Investigators at the Harvard-affiliated Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston provided reasons to be less paranoid about tanning. In an upcoming edition of the Harvard Health Letter, researchers clarified that a suntan is the body's best effort to guard against the known cancerous effects of ultraviolet (UV) light, not a mere symbol irreparable skin damage.

As ultraviolet light penetrates the skin, it mutates DNA. This mini mutation helps create that sun kissed look that no tan-in-a-tube can emulate. While this is good news for seasonal beach bums, it's spectacular news for acne sufferers.

For years, tanning has served as an anecdotal cure for acne. But who wants to treat acne with sunshine if this remedy could cause skin cancer years later? Now that medical insights reveal sunbathing with an 45 SFP sunscreen significantly reduces cancer risk, acne sufferers can enjoy a free solar acne treatment, minus the cancer threat.

Using the Sun as an Acne Treatment Acne lesions can form from a motley of bodily processes including hormonal fluctuations, dietary allergies, improper skin shedding and an encumbered immune system.

When acne pustules grow into large, inflamed and painful lesions, it's because agents called Langerhans cells are responding to the irritating oils, hairs and debris trapped within the developing pimple.

Yet something unorthodox happens when you put a pimple in the sun. The bacterium know as Propionibacterium acnes, which is readily implicated in provoking acne, produces an inflammation taming agent called porphyrin. These porphyrins can in reduce the presence of Langerhans cells in the skin. With fewer Langerhans cells circulating, an inflammatory response becomes less likely, as does the chances of experiencing acne lesions.

Most likely, skipping the sunscreen will leave you to inherit skin that looks like a dried up river. But when combined with adequate protection, the sun transforms into serious skin care capable of healing a body ravaged by acne.

Here's how to implement your own day-the-sun natural acne treatment:

1. Buy a non-pore clogging (noncomedogenic) sunscreen with at least an SPF of 45.

2. Rub on the sunscreen according the manufacturer's instructions, which typically means applying the lotion 20 minutes prior to sun exposure.

3. Use the Environmental Protection Agency's website to check the UV Index in your area and ensure that you won't get seared on your tanning day.

4. Enjoy the sun and watching those zits dissipate.

5. After sunbathing, soothe your skin with an aloe vera gel.

Beating Acne, Your Best Tips For Acne Skin Care

2008-10-14T00:13:00.002+05:30

Acne is a circumstance that affects the skin and oil glands. It causes blackheads, cysts, and scaring if not treated. Face acne can frustrate your visual aspect to a great extent and body acne can actually ruin your day by making you very uncomfortable. If you consider acne as a treatable problem, some people are inclined to altogether cast aside the topic of �Acne skin care�. Notwithstanding, Acne treatment products and skin care is of extreme importance if you desire to subdue this problem.

Acne skin care is - following daily skin care routines with complete discipline. So let�s have a look at how �acne skin care� can be applied to your daily routine. Acne treatment and skin care should really start much before the acne actually appears. �Acne skin care� is more about being proactive than reactive. Acne skin care is about being cognizant of preventive measures.

If you are living in a warm and/or humid place, a nighttime shower becomes a must. As a matter of fact, a shower is advocated after any natural process that causes high degrees of perspiration to arise. It�s a very efficient �acne skin care� technique. �Acne skin care� begins with the most primary thing - cleanliness. So daybreak showers are the most basic means of keeping the skin clean. In fact, a lot of people choose night showers too (that not only assists in keeping your skin clean but also allows for relaxation to your body and enables a good sleep).

In the like sense, �acne skin care� also preaches regular cleaning of your make-up brush and any equipment that you use on your body. However, acne skin care is not about just showers. Acne skin care is also about wearing clean clothes and sleeping on clean pillows. Moreover, too tight clothes can cause sweat to accumulate quickly; so soft and comfortable cotton clothes are recommended, especially if you already have acne.

Cleansing agents are the gentlest and the most effective way of removing dirt, grease, pollutants and surplus oil from your skin; thus reducing the chance of acne happenings. The best acne skin care urges removing your make up using a make up remover, and this should happen before you go to bed (not in the morning). Besides that, you had better also use a mild, water-soluble, oil-free and soap-free cleansing agent for keeping your face, neck and arms clean. Cleansing is the most important part of any acne skin care routine.

There are respective acne skin care emollients and lotions available nonprescription (a great deal of these acne skin care products are in reality cleansing agents). Even so, if these �acne skin care� steps do not bring about the sought after results, contact a skin doctor for �acne skin care� advice and discourse. If you already have acne, do not try to touch them or squeeze them; it can lead to permanent scars. �Acne skin care� advocates soft cleansing and cleaning of the involved region using an over-the-counter medicine and a clean/soft cotton pad.

What to Expect from Laser Acne Scar Removal Procedures

2008-10-14T00:13:00.001+05:30

Have you decided to invest in a laser procedure to remove acne scarring? What do you expect to get for your cash- a completely new look? You should because these services aren't cheap. No matter what your aims for laser skin corrections are, by using medical reviews of leading laser treatments for acne scarring, you can have a clearer idea of what to expect after your laser treatment.

Most appraisals of the effectiveness of laser skin enhancements are two-sided because both the patients and study-independent physicians typically access the level improvement in acne marks.

While these post-treatment assessments are not standardized, they still offer a glimpse into the potential cosmetic outcomes from using laser treatments. Besides cosmetic changes in the skin, another variable that you'll need to add to your review of laser treatments is the overall number of treatments required to see dramatic changes in the skin.

What follows is a rundown of what to anticipate from four different laser procedures for treating acne scarring along with estimates of how many treatment you will need.

Laser 1

1,064-nm Nd:YAG pulsed light system Marketed names include PhotoSilk Laser

Last year, a study in Dermatologic Surgery tested the efficacy of the 1,064-nm Nd:YAG laser at removing acne scars. Nine patients underwent eight treatments for moderate to severe acne scarring. Three independent physicians assessed the overall improvement level of acne scarring severity for the group at 29.36%.

Treatments: 8 Improvement rating: 29.36%

Laser 2

1,320-nm Nd:YAG Marketed names include CoolTouch Laser

An investigation from the same journal featured eight patients with facial acne scars. The group received eight treatments with the 1,320-nm Nd:YAG laser. After five treatments, independent observes assessed the overall acne scarring improvement rate between 40-60 %.

Treatments: 5 Improvement rating: 40-60%

Laser 3

1,450-nm diode laser Marketed names include Smoothbeam Laser

In a split test comparison between the 1,450-nm laser and 1,320-nm laser at treating mild to moderate atrophic (indented, or lost skin tissue) acne scarring, the 1,450-nm laser demonstrated greater improvement in acne scarring.

Laser 4

1,550-nm erbium-doped fiber laser Marketed names include Fraxel Laser

Just this past March, a study in Dermatologic Surgery tested the 1,550-nm erbium-doped fiber laser on fifty-three patients with mild to moderate atrophic facial acne scars. After three treatments, two independent reviewers judged a 51-75% improvement in the scarring of 90% of the study participants.

Treatments: 3 Improvement rating: 51-75%

Remember, these ratings are based on the improvement levels patients coping with mild to severe acne scarring experienced after various laser treatments. As Dr. Rohrer pointed out that it is difficult to predict what your skin will look like after a laser treatment for acne scarring because many of the patient assessments during the studies were based on opinions of before and after photos.

To reduce the uncertainty surrounding laser correction of acne scars, ask your laser surgeon for before and after images of laser cosmetic procedures she has performed in the past months. Then judge the overall acne scarring improvement level for yourself.

Does Toothpaste Help Get Rid of Acne?

2008-10-14T00:10:00.000+05:30

Home remedies for acne come in all flavors of strange. There's the egg yolk mask, handyman soap scrub, lidocaine rub and even a urine toner. And like any trial therapy, homemade treatments may work sheerly because of the placebo effect. But, does toothpaste posses any properties that support its usage as an acne treatment?

The first place to begin answering this question is to consider the ingredients in common toothpastes and what effect they have on the skin.

Fluoride:

In almost any tube of toothpaste you'll find sodium monoflurorophosphate, or simply put, some chemical variety of fluoride. Fluoride prevents tooth cavities. But in the skin, fluoride typically causes more damage that it corrects. For example, medicals studies have reported that large does of fluoride could cause systemic poisoning. Though the amount of fluoride in tooth paste is less than one percent you may not want predispose yourself to risk.

If toothpaste does help acne prone skin, it's most likely not due to the fluoride because this chemical can irritate or burn the skin and sometimes provoke skin allergies.

Glycerin, sorbitol and alumina:

Skimming down the list of toothpaste ingredients, we arrive at agents with the potential to delete zits like hydrated silica, sorbitol, alumina and glycerin. Silica and types of aluminum are used to treat acne via dermabrasive products. However, in the toothpaste, they are too fine to profoundly exfoliate the skin. Sorbitol is a flavoring agent while glycerin makes the toothpaste feel good in your mouth.

Moving on, we come to sodium lauryl sulfate, or the toothpaste bubble maker. You don't need suds to get rid of zits. Next!

Getting rid of calcium:

Now we encounter sodium pyrophosphate, or some relative of this chemical resting in our toothpaste. Sodium pyrophosphate limits tartar deposits on the teeth by removing calcium and magnesium from saliva. It is with this calcium evicting phosphate that we may find a potential acne curative.

Skin levels of calcium directly influence skin cell growth and differentiation. One of the traits of acne includes improper shedding of the skin or improper skin cell separation. And according to research done by Chia-Ling L. Tu and colleagues, too much calcium in the epidermis skin causes more hair follicles to grow, makes the skin more susceptible to outside attacks and increases cell growth.

None of these activities help contain acne so taking away a little calcium from acne prone skin may eliminate a cluster of zits. So we allot a point to pyrophosphate as a possible acne taming agent.

Try these ingredients in a better product and they will help with acne:

Rounding out the toothpaste ingredients are minimal amounts of titanium dioxide and or baking soda (sodium bicarbonate). As far as the skin is concerned, these two agents are wonderful exfoliators, yet in some toothpastes, their presence may prove too small to positively affect the skin.

These guys may also absorb excess facial oils which will definitely help bumpy skin heal faster. As predominant skin care ingredients, titanium dioxide and baking soda sever as wonderful dermbrasion agents, so you may want to try them in this form.

In short. proving whether or not your toothpaste will get rid of acne would require some costly research and you would still have to face the ominous doubt cast by the placebo effect. Toothpaste does contain agents with the potential to control acne like pyrophosphates that improve skin cell shedding, and skin exfoliators like titanium dioxide and baking soda.

The only problem is, toothpaste is formulated to treat and prevent cavities, not pimples. You really can't fully benefit from toothpaste's zit fighting agents because they are not concentrated enough. Instead, use acne products that contain right proportions of bump fighting ingredients, whether you buy them at the drug store or make them at home.

The Alternative Way To Cure Acne

2008-10-14T00:05:00.002+05:30

Do Alternative Remedies for Acne Work? Type of treatment that some people find effective, so it’s worth knowing about. The treatments I’m talking about are called alternative acne treatments.

There are a variety of ways to get rid of acne that are homeopathic or natural and do not require a prescription from a dermatologist. These remedies can be used in conjunction with prescribed methods. For those who are seeking healthy and natural methods for getting rid of acne, homeopathic remedies are a viable option.

There are many treatment methods available to treat this condition, ranging from traditional medicines to acne alternative treatments that have been formulated from natural sources.

The basics for acne alternative treatments and prevention advice are:

1.Herbal Acne Remedies

Alternative medicine has come up with many solutions for acne and most of these are herbal solutions.

It's common knowledge that the liver is the primary internal organ that clears up any troubles we may have with our hormones. If our hormones get out of equilibrium the end result is a bad case of acne.

Why Some Herbal Acne Treatments Actually Work For Acne?

The herbal blend strengthened and improved liver function; there by purifying the blood and helping to balance hormones.

It is your liver that deactivates and clears excess and used hormones from body system. And it's also your liver's that purifies your blood of the congesting toxins that aggravate acne so very much.

Even though they can be effective, one of the problems with herbal remedies is that they are very slow acting. While the results may be worth waiting for, it may take an entire month of consistent use before results are visible. Meanwhile, herbal acne treatments proved to be very powerful for acne sufferers, but for the short-term.

Remember that some herbal remedies have never been studied, and tested for safety and effectiveness as acne alternative treatments.

How Herbs Work in Body System?

All herbs work one of two ways or a combination of these two ways

The herb carries with it vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients and a less understood "life force". These aspects support the body nutritionally. Generally, these kinds of herbs are safe to be taken long-term. But should only be taken seasonally.

The herb has chemical components that actually throws the body out of balance. Depending on these chemical components different body systems are thrown out of balance. These herbs work short-term, and are damaging to the body system if taken in long-term. Please understand herbal acne treatments that temporarily throw your body out of balance are not a bad thing. That's why they work. But they should never be taken long-term and will actually stop working very quickly if you do.

2. Homeopathic Remedies

The objects of homeopathic remedies for acne is to improve the skins resistance to infection. Most issues can be solved through a healthy diet and good hygiene.

Homeopathy refers to a system for treating disease based on the administration of minute doses of a drug. In massive doses, the drug is expected to produce symptoms in healthy individuals similar to those of the disease itself. Homeopathic professionals evaluate the individual (their physical, emotional and intellectual makeup) before prescribing a treatment. While homeopathy has not had the benefit of many scientific studies, professional homeopaths have found that certain homeopathic treatments reduce certain symptoms of acne.

Homeopathic remedies for acne can include medicine or nutrients that regulate hormone levels, as changing hormone levels are by far the leading cause of acne. Men and women experience the same results from changing hormonal levels even thought the amounts of each hormone are dramatically different. Homeopathic acne treatment is most often needed in the teenage years. Older people can also develop pimples, but are advised to immediately see a physician if a severe outbreak occurs.

3.Dieting Remedies

There is saying “you are what you eat”

One of the simplest alternative acne treatments is to simply change your diet. Some people have had great success in reducing their acne by eating more fruit and vegetables, and less processed foods. This keeps you much healthier, and will improve your skin.

Food and nutrition is the most important factor in alternative therapy. Fat and chocolates were blamed as the basic reason for the outbreak of acne while fast foods high in grease content as well as chips, chocolate and soft drinks can cause higher episodes of acne even in an adult. Vitamins such as A, E, B, and C are also important for the skin texture and tone, also seem to be important and juice therapists advice to have fresh juice, to a reduce acne problems.

What you eat can affect your acne breakouts. It’s no doubt that good nutrition is an important factor in getting rid of your acne once and for all. Yet many people who suffer from acne don’t actually know how they can improve their diet, which will in turn improve their skin. They don’t know which types of food helps, or doesn’t help.

So eating healthier foods will help keep your skin cleaner. But that isn’t to say you can’t ever eat the fatty foods, or the carbohydrates like rice and pasta. Although these things can take longer for your body to process, which means there are more toxins in your body system, it’s fine in moderation. A few other foods to avoid are foods that contain a lot of sugar or a lot of yeast. Again, these are fine in moderation, but if you eat these foods too often, it can make your nutrition unbalanced

Another help to diets, is the addition of adequate amounts of water consumption to anyone's diet. Why? Because water helps to flush out the poison Substances in your body system which would otherwise seek an outlet through your skin.

By drinking more water, you can keep your body clear of toxin build-up. And this will help keep your skin healthier. Drinking at least 8 to 10 glasses of water a day can be one of the acne natural treatments that can begin to detoxify the pores and skin.

Anyone looking for treatment can look online to find more suggestions and can read testimonials from those who have had success with home remedies. No one acne home treatment will work for everyone, so finding the right combination of ingredients or procedures could take time. Getting a program that fits the person’s routine and helps prevent further problems may take time and experimentation, but the results will be worth the time invested.

Keep in mind that those acne solutions that work for one person will probably not work for the next person. What worked for your mother, brother, or best friend may or may not work for you.

Acne Treatment - The Real Secret To Quickly Heal Your Acne

2008-10-14T00:05:00.001+05:30

Acne is an all too common skin condition, and in some cases the chemicals used to treat it can further damage the skin. Here are some tips that will help you heal your acne:

No scrubbing or rubbing.

You can't scrub your acne away. In fact abrasive or frequent washing can lead to dry skin and irritated acne. Your skin will respond best to kind attention. Gently wash your face no more than twice a day with a mild cleanser and pat your skin dry with a clean towel. If you exercise hard and sweat a lot you may want to wash your face afterwards.

Don't pop pimples.

Don't pop or squeeze pimples, as it could lead to inflammation and infection. It could also push the infected materials deep into the skin and create more swelling. Squeezing or popping pimples could lead to permanent scars on the face.

Breathe deeply.

It is advisable to breathe deeply when you feel stressed. Doctors have found out that there is a direct link between stress and acne. Studies have shown that there is increased amount of androgen production when a person is under stress. Not only mental but physical stress such as allergies, surgery etc could activate the androgen production. When androgen is activated the sebaceous glands pumps out more oil/sebum leading to acne.

Use honey.

Apply a honey mask once a week. Honey is regarded as a disinfectant and also it has medicinal properties believed to heal minor blemishes. It has the properties of destroying the bacteria present in the skin.

Pay kind attention to your skin.

Use a mild cleanser no more than twice a day and gently wash and dry your skin. Apply a noncomedogenic (won't clog your pores) sunscreen.

Patience is a virtue.

Be patient. Healing takes time. Unfortunately this doesn't happen overnight. Results are generally seen in a few weeks, but may take up to 8 weeks or more. Don't be tempted by over night promises. So give your acne treatment a fighting chance.

Use sunscreen.

Many acne medications contain ingredients that can make your skin extra sensitive to sunlight and ultraviolet light from tanning booths. Read the label warnings, avoid tanning booths, and always use a sunscreen with at least an SPF of 15. Sun exposure can actually irritate acne even if you are not using an acne medication. So don't make sunbathing a part of your lifestyle and always use sunscreen.

More is not better.

If you use more acne medication than directed by your doctor you can actually worsen your acne. Many over-the-counter acne treatments contain active ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Too much of either of these can cause your skin to become excessively dry or irritated. It can take time for your skin to adapt to new medications. Remember that it may take up to 8 weeks for any acne medication to have a noticeable effect. Use the medication exactly as directed by your doctor and if you don't see an improvement within 8 weeks talk with your dermatologist.

Use only noncomedogenic products.

When purchasing cosmetics, sunscreen or other skin care products, make sure the label reads noncomedogenic. These products, as well as those labeled nonacnegenic, won't clog your pores and therefore won't cause or make your acne worse.

Here's the rub.

Headbands and hats can aggravate your acne as they rub against your forehead. Try to avoid these things when possible.

Don't touch your face.

It's amazing how often we touch our faces during an average day. Our hands have oil on them and of course bacteria too, both of which can make acne worse. So avoid touching your face or leaning your chin on your hand. Be sure that other objects that come in contact with your face like cell phones, telephone receivers, eye glasses, etc are clean.

Wash your face.

It is advisable to wash your face at least twice a day with sulfur-based soap. Once when you wake up and again when you go to bed. Do not scrub; just give it a smooth touch. Washing your skin over and over again will create more trouble than help you.

Cut your hair.

If you have long hair it is advisable to cut it short. Your hair contains oil and when you move, the dust particles do mix up with your hair and when your hair bangs on your face or neck or forehead or the affected area, the situation could worsen. Also wash your hair on a daily basis.

Eat fruits and vegetables.

Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables daily.

Drink lots of water.

Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily. Water helps in cleaning and hydrating the skin and maintaining overall health.

Change your pillowcase.

Wash or change your pillowcase every day.

Exercise.

Exercise moderately as it helps in blood circulation and helps eliminate toxins.

Review your environment.

Pollution, airborne grease (such as in a fast food restaurant), irritating clothing - all these can aggravate your acne. It isn't always possible to avoid all the various irritants that may contribute to your acne. You can, however, make educated decisions that may help to minimize their impact. Loosen tight, irritating clothing or find fabrics that breathe better and don't aggravate your acne.

Acne – Causes, Symptoms & Treatments

2008-10-14T00:04:00.000+05:30

Acne is a common skin problem for most teens and many adults. Acne occurs when the skin’s follicles become blocked with sebum and dead skin cells. The overproduction of sebum in the skin provides an environment ready for the bacterial overgrowth of Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) bacteria. This overgrowth of bacteria causes inflammation, leading to inflamed lesions. Acne lesions range in severity from blackheads (open comedo) and whiteheads (closed comedo) to pustules, papules and cysts. Acne generally appears on the face, chest and shoulders, but may also occur on the back, arms, legs, and buttocks.

Why some people get acne and some don’t is not fully known. Factors that are known to be linked to the occurrence of acne are: hormonal activity (puberty, pregnancy), family history, hyperactive sebaceous glands, stress, low skin exfoliation leading to the accumulation of dead skin cells, anything that activates skin inflammation like scratching, bacteria on the skin and the body becoming allergic to this bacteria and use of anabolic steroids.

There are many myths about what causes acne. A common myth is that acne is a result of dirty skin. However, pimples and blackheads are not caused by dirt. Acne is caused by a combination of over-production of skin oil, excess dead skin cells and bacteria. A blackhead is dark in color because it is open to the air and oxidation causes the color change. Respectively, a whitehead is closed to the air and therefore has not noticeable color.

The myth of whether certain foods cause acne is still being debated. Science has not come up with any clear cut answers; however many people will find a connection between the foods they eat and breakouts. Trying to figure out what foods cause acne to become worse is tough, because the outcome of eating a certain food and resulting acne will vary greatly among people. What food causes acne to become worse in one person will not affect another. So what this comes down to is avoiding some of the generally bad foods for your body and putting in more healthy food. So avoid sugary and fatty foods, foods rich in iodine and dairy foods. Add more fruits, vegetables, green tea and meats that contain good essential fats to your diet.

So what can you use to treat your acne? While there is no real cure for acne, managing all the triggering factors is key to keeping acne under control. Those triggers include dead skin cells not exfoliating, excess sebum, P acnes bacteria, and inflammation. Also, the treatments used depend on the severity of the acne.

The first important trigger to control is the bacteria on your skin. Control the harmful bacteria and infections are less likely to start that result in pimples.

To control bacteria, use a topical bactericidal agent like Benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide is very effective against P acnes bacteria for many people. Also most tests show that p. acnes do not become resistant to benzoyl peroxide, so if it works for you, it should continue working. Other topical anti-bacterials that can be tried include: tea tree oil for a natural solution, colloidal silver, triclosan, and chlorhexisine gluconate.

Topical antibiotics can be used to control skin bacteria in a more targeted way. Topical antibiotics also usually cause less damage and inflammation to the skin sometimes making them a better choice for people with more sensitive skin. Topical antibiotics are usually as effectual as antibiotics taken orally with fewer side effects. Topical antibiotics include: erythromycin, tetracycline and clindamycin.

Oral antibiotics are effective and good to use when acne is affecting a large part of the body. They can help to get the bacteria under control and then allow topical treatments to take over. Oral antibiotics are easy to use but can have side effects such as colitis, diarrhea, dysbacteriosis. Moreover, long term oral antibiotic treatment is not practical as a bacterial resistance may develop.Oral antibiotics include: erythromycin and tetracycline.

Next, you need to control the production of sebum. Products that control sebum production include topical retinoids such as tretinoin (Retin-A), tazarotene (Tazorac), and adapalen (Differin), and oral retinoinds such as Isotretinoin (Accutane). Both types of Retinoids improve acne by decreasing oil production and altering the lifecycle of epithelial skin cells. Topical retinoids can increase breakouts during the first weeks of treatment and also cause dryness, irritation and sensitivity to sunlight. Oral retinoids are usually used as a last resort because of their side effects.

To keep the follicles and pores from becoming blocked with the oil, dead skin cells and bacteria; exfoliation can help. Salicylic acid is commonly used in acne products and it works as a skin exfoliator. Other AHA’s and BHA can be used for exfoliating acne prone skin. Remember, you are trying to avoid skin irritation, so do not use microdermabrasion scrubs or anything to harsh on your skin. Besides removing dead skin cells, exfoliation can improve the penetration of other topical treatments.

Other options for treating acne can include combination birth control pills, phototherapy using red light or blue light and photodynamic therapy, and laser treatments which have all shown efficacy in the treatment of acne.

The grade and the severity of the acne help to determine what combination of treatments should be used. The objective with acne treatments is to avert skin scarring and psychological distress, and to shorten the time a person is living with acne. Mild acne can first be treated by gently washing the area twice daily with warm water and soap and over the counter products. If you have moderate acne, consult a dermatologist before the acne gets out of hand.

Although acne can be very depressing for those afflicted with it, doctors say that most acne is entirely treatable. Therefore, it is very important to try to resolve acne as soon as you can. With most acne treatments, the acne can become a little worse before improvement occurs, but it is important to stick with the treatment.

Your results can be greatly improved by following these tips:

Use oil-free, non-comedogenic skin care products and cosmetic

Avoid cream based cleansers when you have oily skin

Do not over wash or scrub your face excessively as you do not want to irritate your skin. Excessive washing will not cure acne.

Do not pop, poke, pick, scratch your pimples, whiteheads or black heads. Touching your face will only spread bacteria.

Use a mild cleanser with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.

Switching acne products often will not help. Stick with a product routine for at least one month to see if it works.

If you acne is progressively getting worse, don’t wait, see a doctor.

Eat a healthy diet. Tomatoes, garlic, vitamin C and A are all very good for the skin.

Some natural home remedies:

Apply raw papaya juice to affected skin

Apply cucumber juice to the affected skin.

Good basic skin care is the start to ridding yourself of acne. Then finding the right combination of products, whether over-the-counter or prescription, and sticking with a good routine are crucial to success. The key thing you need to understand before using any acne product though, is that the same products do not work the same for every person. Acne is very manageable and should not be suffered by anyone. Taking care of your skin can make all the difference in the fight to treat pimples and zits.

Acne Medication - Does Acne Skin Care Products Work?

2008-10-13T23:57:00.000+05:30

Acne is a common inflammatory skin disease that involves pimples, primarily on face. Acne specifically occurs in teenagers and young adults sometimes causing them embarrassment, even psychological stress as well. Poor diet, stressful life, and hormonal changes are a few reasons for acne breakout. Also, incorrect use of beauty products or using poor quality acne skin care products can aggravate acne.

You can try using some natural or home remedies for mild acne, if it is initial stage and you see an occasional whitehead or a blackhead. However, if your acne is moderate, you should see a dermatologist and seek proper acne medication, before it gets severe. A doctor generally refers a few acne creams, and guides you on using acne skin care products. A variety of acne products are available at medical stores. Some of these are good to cure acne, and while others help you prevent acne.

There are many OTC medicines that people take for acne. This may be a good option for initial stage but if your acne is getting worse, seek proper acne medication. The dermatologist examines the symptoms and gives you prescribed medicine for effective treatment and cure. Apart from treatment, you should change your diet plan and avoid foods that can cause acne or that slow the recovery process.

Most often, the acne products contain benzoyl peroxide and some antibiotics. These help the affected area to dry out, and take care of acne scar as well. Many acne creams and lotions that you use for treatment contain vitamin A. However, you may feel some irritation or itching on your skin when you begin the treatment. Use a good quality skin moisturizer for in such cases. In case of severe acne, you may also require to take oral acne medication. Many prescribed medicines eliminate the reasons that can cause acne. Generally, these help you fighting against the bacterial infection that leads to acne.

Sometimes, a medicine has its side effects as well. Discuss with your doctor, if you notice any rashes on skin, or some stomach problem, and seek any alternative medicine, or some medicine to counter the side effects of acne medication. Research has shown that a few acne medicines may cause malformation of the teeth; and a few others can cause changes in the color of the skin. Your skin may get dark, or lighter than its normal color.

A few other common side effects are as below.

• Your hair may lose their natural color, and may turn white.

• You may notice skin allergy.

• There may be blisters or some swelling over affected areas on skin.

• In some cases, you may also see burning or redness of skin.

Some doctors recommend that you should not take calcium supplements, or any laxatives while you are taking acne medications. Select your acne skin care products carefully, and if possible, use only those products that are prescribed or recommended by your doctor.

Washing your face is the most important factor that contributes to early recovery. Wash your face to revoke any oils or dirt from your face and do not apply any make up or cream while going to bed. It enables your skin to breathe which is very important for a healthy and fresh skin. Do not touch, prick or pierce your pimples as it may leave permanent scars on the skin. Let them heal naturally or though acne medications, and the scars will automatically disappear over a period of time.

Sometimes, a few medicines are not recommended for special cases such as for a pregnant women and patients of Hansen's disease. Also, the patients of asthma, hay fever or those who have a weak liver are also advised against using some particular acne products. In such situations, discuss all the symptoms with your dermatologist, along with any medication that you are already taking. You may require some different acne creams or medication in such cases.

While purchasing acne products, read the instructions carefully. See the manufacturing and expiry dates of products, and read how to use those. There may be instructions that require that you should not expose your skin to sunlight after applying a specific acne cream. Following the instructions properly will help quick acne treatment and cure.

Apart from traditional acne medications, you can control acne using herbal products as well. The advantage with using herbal products is that these do not cause any side effects, though sometimes, the recovery process is slow. Even if you are taking traditional medicines, you can take herbal and natural treatment for acne, simultaneously. However, consult with your doctor before using a herbal product since it may hinder the effectiveness of prescribed medicines. Also, take required precautions in your diet and lead a positive and stress free life style.

How Basic Hygiene, Cosmetics, Dark Skin, and Diet Effect Acne

2008-10-13T23:56:00.001+05:30

Acne and Basic Hygiene:

Dirt does not cause acne. That is one of the very basic concepts that most acne sufferers need to accept and understand. Keeping your face clean will greatly help to make acne outbreaks occur less frequently and with less severity. The fact that your face gets dirty is not the cause of acne.

Facial cleansing is particularly important for those who are generally prone to acne, like teenagers. The facial cleansing for the prevention of acne outbreaks and while an outbreak is occurring needs to be a specific and recurring 7 step process as defined below.

1. Wash your hands first. Is that surprising? It shouldn't be. Your hands are about to come in contact with your face. The first thing you need to do is scrub your hands and be sure that your nails are clean as well.

2. The next thing that you need to do is to secure your hair either in a hairnet, a shower cap or a headband. Pull your hair away from your face and firmly secure it.

3. Wet your face with warm (not hot) water and apply the soap or facial cleansing product as directed on the packaging. Never use more or less of the product than is recommended.

4. Using only your fingertips (NOT a washcloth), gently massage the cleanser into your face. Use a circular motion and be sure that you go all the way to the hairline. Pay particular attention to the areas of your face where you most often see pimples. Hard scrubbing is counterproductive. Be very gentle.

5. Rinse your face thoroughly by splashing it with warm water. Don't take a shortcut here. Rinse your face until all traces of the cleanser are gone.

6. Gently pat your face dry with a clean towel. Don't rub your face and never use the same towel more than once.

7. Allow your face to air dry for at least 15 minutes before you apply acne medications or moisturizers.

Acne and Cosmetics:

Acne! The very word strikes fear and thoughts of never having a steady boy friend into every teenage girl across America and the world! Is there a teenage girl who has NOT been affected by acne.....No!

It doesn't matter much that it affects anywhere from 95 of girls, when it happens to any one of them, you would think that they were the only girl who had ever had a zit.

Teenage boys hate acne just as much as teenage girls hate it. Boys just suffer through it but girls turn to cosmetics to try to hide it.

There is nothing wrong with a teenage girl or a young woman trying to make an acne outbreak appear less noticeable. It is a perfectly natural thing to do.

Girls use cosmetics to enhance their appearances...make their lips redder or fuller, to give their cheeks a healthy glow, and make their eyelashes appear beautiful, so covering up an acne blemish is the next logical step.

The cosmetic industry knows that covering blemishes ranks right up there with rosy cheeks so they have developed products like a concealer that is designed specifically for covering up blemishes.

Concealer's come in many forms. Some of them are in tubes like lipstick while some of them are in bottles like other liquid make up base products. Still others are in cake form like pressed face powder.

The one thing that all teenage girls and young women do need to remember when they use these products is that they need to be thoroughly cleaned off their face before going to bed. If left on the face, these products will contribute to clogging pores and intensify the acne outbreak.

The bottom line here is that using concealer products is just fine. If it makes you feel better about yourself, then go for it but before you go to bed, use your facial wash. Clean your face completely, pat it dry with a clean towel and apply your acne fighting medications.

Acne and Dark Skin:

People of African, Latino or Indian decent have skin pigmentation that is darker than those who are of European decent. The treatment of any skin disease is often based on the color of the skin.

Some cosmetic procedures, for example, cannot be used on skin with dark pigmentation because it will leave light spots.

In actuality, acne is an equal opportunity disease. The color of one's skin has no bearing whatsoever on whether a person will have acne. Treating acne is based upon the type of acne it is and what the most effective treatment options are for the particular type of acne that is present in each patient.

Many acne medications make the skin sensitive to excessive sun exposure. This has nothing to do with the color of the skin. The sensitivity is simply a side effect of the medications.

People with darker skin complexions are not usually as prone to sunburn as those with lighter complexions but these medications make dark skin as susceptible to sun damage as their lighter skin friends.

A sun blocking product with an SPF factor of at least 25 is recommended when there will be prolonged sunlight exposure.

There is one type of acne that often afflicts only those who are of African heritage. This type of acne is called Pomade Acne.

Pomade acne is caused by a hair care product that is designed to straighten very curly hair. The product has a very heavy oil base and should be kept off of the skin as much as is possible.

The pigmentation in very dark skin can get darker after an inflammation is cleared up. This is called 'post-inflammatory hyper pigmentation'....which means increased pigmentation following inflammation.

The spots will gradually return to their normal color over time but a dermatologist can prescribe medication which will hasten the process.

Acne and Diet:

The general medical consensus is that diet does not cause acne; but, there are those who disagree with this assessment and assert that diet has everything to do with acne.

For many years it was generally accepted everywhere by everyone that consumption of chocolate and junk food was what actually caused acne or had a positive effect on the severity of acne.

That theory has been proven to not be true by modern research; but, there are those who claim that the research is faulty and that acne is, in fact, if not caused by diet is at least exacerbated by diet.

Refined sugar is believed to be one of the major contributing factors of how severe a case of acne will become by those who adhere to the belief that food and acne are related.

These sources say that you should reduce your intake of refined sugars and substitute artificial sweeteners or natural sweeteners like honey for all refined sugar in your diet to help reduce the severity of acne out-breaks.

Another dietary culprit is believed to be nuts, or rather the oil that is found in nuts and especially peanuts. Those who have acne, says the proponents of the diet/acne connection should avoid peanuts in all forms including peanut butter.

Another recommendation is that milk should be used only in very small amounts and intake should be greatly restricted. Milk comes from cows, usually pregnant cows and contains large amounts of hormones that are believed to actually be one of the causes of acne.

The anti-acne diet that is recommended is high in salmon, halibut, tuna, sardines, fresh organically grown vegetables, and whole grains. The fish that are recommended are all very high in omega-3 which is known to promote healthy skin. This diet is a very healthy one and whether it actually prevents acne or not, it is a good one.

Acne Scar Treatment

2008-10-13T23:55:00.001+05:30

With human skin being our living outer organ of protection from many types of injuries and most infections, we may take for granted as to how important our skin truly is until scaring occurs. All types of scarring, including acne scars varies depending upon several factors. Variations of each person's scar is connected with our genetic heredities, our age, our ethnicity, the size and how deep the wound originally is and even if you are male or female makes a difference. Scars left from acne affect the facial appearance that most always affects our self confidence much more than most other types of scars upon the rest of body. This would explain as to why acne scar treatments are so high in demand.

Out of the main four types of scarring, acne scars are the ones that tend to really bother us the most. Within the group of acne scarring, there are several types of acne scars. They may be scars with deep pits to wavelike or angular in appearance. The American Academy of Dermatology defines acne scars as areas of the skin that has lost or gained tissue during the acne affected area healing process. The one type of naturally disappearing acne scars are called "pseudo scars". These are scars that leave a redness or inflammation called post inflammatory pigmentation. These are the acne scars that will disappear within 6 to 18 months on their own. But for those seemingly permanent types of acne scars, treatment options will vary.

There are over the counter ointments, gels and even easily accessible prescription creams for those types of acne scars less extreme in depth and appearance. To use these types of treatments, a dermatologist recommendation for the right product to purchase is advised, so to get the best results for your dollar and the correct product the first time around. Natural applications like essential oils, mud packs and herbal skin treatment products are known to create wonders and reduce scars. However, these take time to erase the scars so, for very severe cases, Laser skin resurfacing is a milder form of top layer skin removal compared to dermabrasion and chemical peels, but all allow for newer and healthier skin to appear within a few weeks. Augmentation and punch techniques are for deeper scares and allows for the scar to be raised by collagen injections or even skin grafts deepening on pitted scar depth.

The Best Acne Herbal Treatments

2008-10-13T23:54:00.001+05:30

No matter your age, acne is a problem that no one wants. The misery of acne is mostly caused by our sebaceous glands producing too much sebum, also known as oil. Due to the over production of oil, the skin pores increase in blockage and bacterial areas. It is the bacteria and increased oil production that causes the acne to form. But natural acne herbal treatments are the first method to try.

Knowing how acne happens is one thing, but knowing exactly why is a difficult task at hand when there are several various reasons as to pin pointing each case's cause. Some links believed to be connections are hormonal imbalances, overall eating habits, vitamin deficiency and contentious high levels of stress. Healthy eating habits and lowering stress is the first natural step of acne herbal treatment.

There are proven statistics linking the higher level of vitamin A in a person's body shows to be able to lower acne breakouts. Vitamin A lowers the amount of sebum and keratin being produced. Zinc is also a very important vitamin, and for fighting acne, the Zinc is the backing force for the vitamin A to do its job. Natural acne treatments through diet of the most natural fruits and vegetables will help in your holistic being, not just acne.

Some other acne herbal treatments are effectively proven and 100% natural acne remedies. Aloe Vera is one of the most effective natural herbal acne herbal treatments today. The Aloe Vera plant contains astringent and anti-bacterial properties which are known to fight bacteria that cause acne. Aloe Vera also contains very important anti-inflammatory properties needed in reducing acne swelling.

Another very potent natural acne herbal treatment is Calendula. Although not as well known about, Calendula is a very effective acne treatment. Calendula is a skin tissue healer of potential damage from the acne. But Calendula is also a natural anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory completely natural product. Calendula comes in cream, or water base washing formula to cleanse the acne infected skin.

The Lavender herb will help reduce the inflammation due to the acne and Lavender also has antiseptic. The Lavender is mixed with a carrier fluid or water should be applied directly to the affected acne areas for exterminating bacteria. Just as the Lavender herb, the Tree Essential Oil must be with water or carrier fluid. Tree Essential Oil also has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and antiseptic properties for the top layer of skin with acne.

Miraculous Acne Scar Elimination!

2008-10-13T23:53:00.001+05:30

Acne can affect people of all ages; however it occurs most often during puberty as the body goes through hormonal changes. It has also been known to affect people in adulthood, even if their skin was clear during their teenage years. In some cases acne leaves scars on the skin after chronic and prolonged acne, especially if it is left untreated. The pitting on the face and other parts of the body is easily spotted.

Acne scars will usually fade over time, but sometimes severe acne leaves permanent scars that can be the cause of some embarrassment to the sufferer. Although there are less cases of adult acne, it is not uncommon. Acne which strikes during the adult years may be due to skin allergies or accumulated toxins.

Another type of acne which is rare, but no less irritating, is scalp acne. It is very painful and difficult to treat as applying any cream or antibiotic medicine can be difficult due to hair growth. Although acne on the hairline is visible, the regular use of anti dandruff shampoo can help in some cases. A dermatologist should be consulted for severe cases of acne.

There are different methods of acne scar treatment available which help in lessening the scars by removing the older skin layer and helping new, smoother skin grow. Although there are intensive medical treatments such as laser treatment open to sufferers, cosmetic surgeries are also available. There are also various natural remedies that can actually do wonders for the elimination of acne scars.

Water is a miracle drink not only for the treatment of acne scars, but also for facial skin care in general. Keeping your skin in top condition requires drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water everyday. Skin scars can be dramatically reduced with the intake of water. Drinking water increases the dermal moisture content, making the skin soft and more flexible. Your facial skin is delicate and needs to be properly cared for.

Change your eating habits and consider adding organic, natural fibers to your diet. Your diet has a direct impact on the skin; the more fresh vegetables and fruits you eat, the better pH balance in the body will be. Application of Vitamin E directly onto the acne scars also helps the cells rejuvenate. You can break open a capsule of Vitamin E and apply it to the affected area. Rubbing Virgin olive oil onto the scars also helps reduce the appearance of the marks, but it is a slow process on older scars. Fresh scars are easily reduced as the skin is still fresh.

The best natural remedy has to be the application of fresh lemon juice onto the scars. Lemon is known for its bleaching qualities and not only will it reduce the scars, it will also make your skin smoother and give it a lighter appearance.

Acne Vulgaris, the 8 Stages of Acne, Skin Care, Adult Acne, and Scar Removal Options.

2008-10-13T23:52:00.002+05:30

What is Acne Vulgaris? This is a medical term used to describe most cases of acne. It really isn't as bad as it sounds! Vulgaris doesn't mean that the acne is vulgar, only that it means that it is common.

Be aware that there are many factors that contribute to acne. First, research indicates a propensity for acne may well be inherited. Parents who had acne in their teenage and young adult years may have children who are likewise prone to having acne in their teen and young adult years.

Next, clogged skin pores are certainly a major contributing factor for acne out-breaks. When pores become clogged with an excess production of sebum and mix with dead skin cells or makeup that isn't sufficiently cleaned from the skin, problems start to develop. When skin pores are clogged, bacteria are produced and pus starts to form causing a pimple, a white head or a black head.

The most commonly accepted causes for acne are hormonal imbalances. Hormones in boys and girls may become unbalanced during puberty, during menstrual cycles, when starting or stopping birth control pills, during times of extreme stress, and at other times as well.

All of the above situations can cause the body to over produce a male hormone which causes the sebaceous glands to produce sebum. The sebum combines with dead skin cells to block pores and acne develops. So, basically, it still comes back to blocked pores.

Other causes for acne include a lack of vitamins, minerals and trace elements that the body needs to maintain a healthy skin. Vitamins A, E and B6 are especially important in maintaining healthy skin as are zinc, essential fatty acids (EFA), Chromium and Selenium.

Most diets of teenagers and young adults do not contain these vitamins, minerals, and trace elements in sufficient quantity to maintain healthy skin and to help prevent the onset of Acne.

Acne: The 8 Stages:

Full blown, Stage 8 acne doesn't usually develop overnight. Acne is progressive condition. Acne is one of the diseases that are so common that it is sometimes just disregarded as a serious problem...like the common cold. It has been estimated that 95 of people will have at least a mild case of acne at some point in their lives.

Acne, much like the common cold, is usually treated by the sufferer with over-the-counter medications that alleviate the symptoms of the disease in the belief that it will simply go away all by itself....eventually. And, it usually does but not always.

Most people throughout their life will have the occasional pimple, zit, white head or black head.

Although these pesky little outbreaks do seem to appear at the most inopportune times, they really aren't a serious problem that requires medical attention. A little over-the-counter acne facial wash to help prevent another outbreak will usually take care of the problem. It isn't a big deal. This kind of acne is referred to as Stage 0 and really nothing to be concerned about unless the acne progresses to subsequent stages.

Acne stages are graded from 0 through 8. Zero is the least severe and 8 is the most serious of the stages. The stages are as follows:

Stage 1: There will be white heads and black heads with some mild inflammation. The outbreaks will start to occur more frequently. Using products that contain Benzyl Peroxide are in order.

Stage 2: There will be some papules in addition to the white heads and black heads. Papules are skin lesions that are solid and raised but usually small. This is still considered to be a very mild case of acne. Treatment can be continued using over-the-counter products that contain Salicylic Acid.

Stage 3: Stage 3 is the same as stage 2 but with more frequent occurrences.

Stage 4-5: Pustules begin to appear. Now, it's time to schedule an appointment at a dermatologist.

Stage 6-7: Nodules and cysts are forming. Scarring is going to start happening at this stage. Your dermatologist will begin to take more drastic action.

Stage 8: Breakouts are almost continuous and include nodules and cysts. There are modern technologies that will help and your dermatologist will advise you.

Acne Skin Care:

As we know, our hair follicles secrete sebum. Sebum makes its way up the hair follicles to the skin pores where it lubricates and protects the skin. Sometimes there are oil glands which get overworked, get enlarge, and produce too much sebum. The sebum can get trapped in the hair follicle.

When this happens the pores get clogged and black heads or white heads form and the bacteria start to multiply at an alarmingly fast rate.

Once you understand this process, you can see the reasoning behind the advice about caring for skin that has black heads, white heads and pustules on it.

The first piece of advice about caring for acne infected skin is to never pick at the pimples. Don't try to pop them and drain them. This will not cure them no matter what anybody tells you. Popping them will only serve to make them worse...not better.

However, there are things that you can do that really will help.

The first thing you can do is to wash your face with a mild soap or a sulfur based soap. Wash your face with just your finger tips. Don't ever use a wash cloth as it holds germs and bacteria. Rinse your face with clean water several times to ensure you remove all traces of soap, and then pat it dry with a clean towel. Do not rub your face with the towel and never use the same towel twice without it being clean.

Take a good multi-vitamin and multi-mineral supplement every day and drink at least 8 full glasses of water (not soda) every day. The vitamins and minerals will supply nutrients that are absent from most diets and the water will help to hydrate the skin as well as to flush toxins out of your system.

If you use over-the-counter acne medications, be certain that you follow the directions carefully and that you use a good sunscreen when you are outdoors as some acne medications make the skin more prone to sunburn.

Adult Acne:

Acne is not just a problem for teenagers and young adults. Once a person survives the teenage years, you would think that they don't have to deal with the embarrassment of acne any longer, right? Well....not exactly.

The sad truth is that about 25 of women will have acne at some time in their 20s, 30s or even 40s. Although there has never been a real cause established, it is believed that most adult acne is caused by the same thing that causes teenage acne...hormonal changes.

A doctor will sometimes prescribe hormonal treatments that will clear a case of adult acne right up. As with teenage acne, adult acne is not caused by diet. Stress has often been cited as one possible cause of adult acne but that assertion has never been verified.

Treating adult acne is a bit more difficult than treating teenage acne. Adults have the concern of drying out their skin that teenagers don't normally have to deal with. Adults don't want pimples; but, they don't want wrinkles, either. A dermatologist should be consulted if the acne is long lasting or is severe.

There are many treatments that are available to adults who suffer from acne. Most of the effective treatments are only available by prescription. Adults should not use over-the-counter acne medications that are intended for the treatment of teenage acne. These products tend to dry the skin and adults need to be concerned about wrinkling as well as acne.

A case of adult acne is not a happy occurrence to say because those ugly bumps always seem to occur at the most inopportune times and while a teenager may be embarrassed by acne, an adult is even more devastated.

Fortunately, there are treatments and a dermatologist has a lot of weapons in his arsenal to fight adult acne.

Acne Scar Removal Options:

Life hardly seems fair sometimes! First, a teenager or a young adult must suffer through acne, treat it, and have to live with it...sometimes for years. Then the acne is gone; but, the scars are there as a painful reminder of the mental and emotional agony the acne sufferer had to endure.

You're right, life doesn't seem fair; but, acne is one of those sad facts of life that some if not most of us have to deal with. The good news is there is help; unfortunately, it isn't free or cheap!

There are two basic procedures that are used to remove ugly pits and scars left over from a bad case of teenage or young adult acne. Laser resurfacing is the least expensive of the two available acne scar removal procedures. Dermabrasion is the second procedure.

Laser resurfacing can be done in the dermatologist office instead of a hospital so that provides a much greater financial savings. A laser is used to remove the top layer of skin and also to tighten the middle layer of skin.

The dermatologist will use a local anesthetic to help reduce the procedure pain. It usually takes several days for the skin to heal after a laser resurfacing procedure is completed. Very often, multiple resurfacing treatments must be done to achieve the desired results.

The second procedure used to remove acne scarring is called dermabrasion. In this procedure, a rotating wire brush is used to remove the top layer of skin. The body continually produces new skin and the new layer will be smoother than the layer that was removed. It usually takes between 10 days and 3 weeks for the skin to heal after a dermabrasion treatment. Once again, multiple treatments may be required to eliminate the scarring.

Acne may seem to be a devastating condition but with proper skin routine, vitamins, and over the counter products, most cases will not be severe. Remember, proper cleansing goes a long way towards minimizing outbreaks, so don't be afraid to cleanse your face 5 - 6 times a day of more if needed.

Fight acne by being smart. Take as many preventative steps as possible to avoid situations that create the opportunity for acne to develop. If acne does afflict you, consult a qualified medical professional before deciding on a course of action.

Acne Fact and Fiction! Do Stress, Facials and Concealer's Help to Promote or Reduce Acne Breakouts?

2008-10-13T23:52:00.001+05:30

What is Acne? People have differing opinions as to what acne really is. So, what exactly is acne? Do a couple of occasional but recurring zits qualify as a case of acne or do you have to have a lot of zits?

Believe it or not, the answer is that occasional pimples or zits do not constitute a true case of acne. Although zits do seem to have the ability to appear almost instantaneously and at the most inopportune times like picture day, prom night, spelling bees, sporting events, dates, and special award ceremonies, they are not a true acne outbreak.

The dictionary defines acne as "an inflammatory disease of the sebaceous glands, characterized by comedones and pimples, especially on the face, back, chest, and, in severe cases, by cysts and nodules resulting in scarring."

The anatomical definition of sebaceous glands is: "small subcutaneous glands usually connected with hair follicles. The follicles secrete an oily semi-fluid matter, composed in great part of fat, which softens and lubricates the hair and skin."

Real acne outbreaks are actually a disease of the skin. However, the great news is that acne is treatable. Although it can be very embarrassing, cause great emotional distress, and lower your personal self-esteem for a period of time, acne is not fatal.

There are new and effective treatments being sought by researchers and great advances have been made in the treatment of acne in the last few years. Years ago, when a person had acne, they were pretty much stuck with the problem. There were very few treatments available and the medical profession didn't even consider acne a disease.

It was long thought that acne was the direct result of a diet that was too high in fat and/or sweets. That is no longer the case. Acne is most often associated with puberty and the onset of pre-teen and teenage years but it can and does develop in adults as well. When acne does finally heal, there can be permanent scars left (from picking and popping) that are unsightly and cause patients to suffer long term emotional distress and low self- esteem.

New and very effective skin resurfacing treatments have been developed over the last several years that have, if not completely removed acne scars, at least diminished their appearance and severity.

Acne Fact or Fiction:

You can hear a lot of tall tales about acne today, so let's take a look at the fact or fiction of acne. It is always better to be well armed with factual information so that you don't get fooled by the fictional facts that surround acne.

Fictional Fact #1: Acne is caused by a lack of sexual activity.

Factual Fact: Acne and sexual activity are two entirely separate issues. One has no bearing on the other. Hormones secreted during puberty and young adulthood does have a bearing on acne. They also have a bearing on sexual arousal and activity. However, acne has no bearing on sexual activity nor does sexual activity have any bearing on acne.

Fictional Fact #2: People have acne because they are dirty.

Factual Fact: Dirt has no part in acne. Dirt is dirt. Acne is acne. One has nothing to do with the other. Acne is a build up of oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. Dirt isn't involved. Keeping the face clean can and will help to prevent clogged pores but dirt does not cause acne.

Fictional Fact #3: Dermatologists can cure acne.

Factual Fact: Dermatologists can TREAT acne. They can help to alleviate the symptoms and help to clear up the pimples, black-heads, and white heads. They can prescribe antibiotics and topical ointments, lotions, and creams that will help but there is no cure at this time for acne.

Fictional Fact #4: Acne is simply a skin problem.

Factual Fact: It's true that acne affects the skin but it can also affect the way a person sees himself or herself. Acne and the scarring it can leave behind may cause a sufferer to become depressed and develop low self-esteem, both of which can lead to larger and more complex life socialization problems. Acne sufferers need the loving support and reassurance from their family and friends.

Acne and Stress:

Can stress actually cause acne? There is ample evidence available to suggest that stress can most assuredly cause an acne breakout or make an existing breakout worse. Our bodies are highly developed chemical laboratories that produce all sorts of stuff.

At puberty, our body begins to produce an abundance of male hormones and this happens in both boys and girls. This overproduction of male hormones can happen at other times in life besides puberty; for example, when a girl or woman starting or stops taking birth control pills.

These male hormones cause the bodies sebaceous glands to shift into overdrive and begin producing sebum. The sebum then travels up hair follicles, clogs the pores and begins the acne development cycle. However, male hormones are not the only cause for the sebaceous glands to begin producing an overabundance of sebum. When we become extremely stressed or overly emotional, our bodies react by causing the adrenal glands to produce a substance known as Cortisol, which is released directly into the bloodstream. Then the chemical chain reaction continues as the sebaceous glands release sebum, the sebum travels up the same hair follicles, clogs the pores and acne develops.

The physical changes in the body can cause exactly the same chemical chain reaction as the emotional changes in the mind. The mind/body connection is very real. Maybe some of it really IS in your head. If that's the case, there is help available to help people deal with the acne that is caused by stress. Reducing stress will just naturally reduce sebum production by the sebaceous glands and reducing sebum production will help to alleviate an acne breakout. Therefore, when you learn to reduce and control you stress levels, this part of the chemical chain reaction is minimized.

It really it isn't any different than restoring a hormonal balance to your body that reduces sebum production. So, in the final analysis, both factors that cause excessive sebum production should be addressed. Solving one problem might help; however, solving both problems could eliminate acne altogether.

Acne Facials:

If you are part of the 95 of the population who suffer from acne, you have more than likely seen TV or print media advertisements for acne facials. Have you ever wondered if there is anything to the claims that their manufacturers make?

In general, the answer is yes! Most acne facials are very effective, pretty much worth the price, and can be used in conjunction with your usual acne fighting regime. They won't necessarily replace any part of what you are already doing; but, rather enhance the overall effects.

You can find acne facials in most health stores, at many cosmetic counters, and online. As a matter of fact, you can probably complete a better comparison of available products online than you can anywhere else.

Most of these acne facial products provide for a three-step program. The first step is a complete facial cleansing. The next step is a steam massage. The final step is a facial mask. The first two steps are designed to prepare the face. The steam massage softens the black heads and the white heads to remove toxins from your skin. The facial mask serves to remove the dead skin cells from the face and to moisturize it as well. The overall effect of the acne facial is a very relaxing, calming, and cleansing experience. It just plain feels good. Anything that helps to calm and sooth your stress can't be bad because we all know that acne is aggravated by high stress levels. Acne facial masks can be used in addition to other parts of your acne prevention and treatment regime or you may find that the facial can, in fact, actually replace some things that you are currently doing.

Acne Concealer's:

One of Newton's laws of physics laws says that, "For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction." That law of physics spills over into a lot of our life situations. For example: A young woman gets a zit and wants to cover it up. The cosmetics industry has a multitude of products designed to do just that. Okay, that's a little far out there but you get my point.

The acne pimples, whether they are white heads or black heads should never be picked at or popped. If they are popped or picked, it can and normally does result is a scar that is much harder to get rid of than the actual pimple, black head or white head. Popping a pimple is not going to make it go away. In fact, popping a pimple is only going to make the acne worse.

Still when you get a zit, you have to go out and face the world so you are looking for ways to make your skin look clear. You want to disguise the zit and make it as unnoticeable as possible. Here is where the cosmetic industry can help. There are a multitude of products designed to make a zit less noticeable. You don't want to use a product that just adds to the problem by adding additional oil to already oily skin. So, you do need to remember, that when you use a cover product to make the zit less noticeable, you need to totally clean the product from your skin immediately when you return home.

Some of the better known as well as more effective cosmetic concealer's on the market today are:

1. Dermablend Smooth Indulgence Concealer: This product produces a smooth matte appearance and was designed specifically for covering acne blemishes as well as for covering Rosacea and dark circles under the eyes.

2. Flawless Skin by Prescriptives: This product will not aggravate acne but will supply a medium to full coverage and it contains SPF 25 for protection from the sun.

Don't let acne control you; but rather, become smart and learn how to control the negative influences in your life that create a positive situation for acne to develop!